The EACH/PIC Coalition submitted a comment letter to the MD PDAB on their ongoing cost review process and input to inform the board’s review of Farxiga.
The letter stated:
“We appreciate the board’s continued efforts to increase transparency around the cost review process. The dedication of staff to providing public information is evident and commendable. However, due to the complexity of the process, even those of us who regularly engage are unclear on specific milestones, timelines, and next steps. To support ongoing engagement, we encourage the creation of a standing document, available on the board’s website, that outlines these key items and notes progression in real-time. Additional tools to assist stakeholders in following and participating in the process would also be welcomed.
“We further urge the board to prioritize patient-centered engagement throughout its work. Involving patient organizations, individual patients, and caregivers is essential to ensuring that affordability reform efforts address real-world impacts on the people who rely on these medications. Our coalition stands ready to serve as a resource for engagement and collaboration. We are also encouraged by the potential expansion of the Stakeholder Council and look forward to helping connect additional patient organizations to these new opportunities for involvement.
“Finally, we stress the importance of providing adequate time for public review and response to cost review materials. For example, the recent posting of the Farxiga dossier on May 12, with public comments due May 14, does not allow sufficient time for a substantive review. Timely dissemination of information is critical to meaningful stakeholder input. We have attached our initial comments on Farxiga and look forward to supplementing this information with further input prior to the next board meeting.”