ICER’s final evidence report on treatments for obesity

US health technology assessor the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) today released a Final Evidence Report assessing the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of semaglutide (injectable Wegovy, and a yet to be approved oral formulation) from Denmark’s Novo Nordisk (NOV: N) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) from USA-based Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) for the treatment of obesity. The final report includes key policy recommendations to help ensure fair access.

“Semaglutide and tirzepatide have revolutionized the management of obesity,” said the ICER’s chief medical officer, Dr David Rind, adding: “In addition to typically producing meaningful weight loss, these therapies reduce cardiovascular risk and improve multiple other aspects of the metabolic syndrome as well as additional obesity-related conditions. On average, these drugs are highly cost-effective, but the population in need of treatment is so great that even at these prices the US healthcare system will be strained to provide them to most people who need them in an affordable manner.”

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