OBJECTIVES

: The importance of new immuno-oncology medicinal products (MP) such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab is increasing drastically. Patient groups may benefit from them due to their numerous indication extensions, while payers are facing increasing prescription quantities. Moreover, payers are faced with indication extensions in other therapeutic fields as well. Hence, it is assumed that the National Association of Payers lowers reimbursement prices to offset the increased number of prescriptions. We analyzed the impact of indication extensions of MP which are subject to early benefit assessment (“AMNOG”) on negotiated reimbursement prices.

METHODS

: We included all completed AMNOG procedures with at least one assessed indication extension and a negotiated reimbursement price published until February 1^st, 2018. We determined the development of reimbursement prices over time, extracting the prices from the pharmacy price schedule. Evaluation of price development is based on a before/after comparison related to the additional benefit granted for first and following indication(s).

RESULTS

: CONCLUSIONS

: Indication extensions generally lead to a (further) price decline, irrespective to the result of the new assessment. Therefore, it can be presumed that the National Association of Payers tries to offset the increasing number of prescriptions by lowering reimbursement prices.