​In a comment letter to the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), the Partnership to Improve Patient Care (PIPC) offered feedback on ICER’s draft evidence report for rheumatoid arthritis. PIPC Chairman Tony Coelho strongly encouraged ICER to address the shortcomings of its RA report, specifically criticizing the lack of patient input and use of Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY)-based methods. He also pointed out that ICER continues to prioritize randomized clinical trial data over real world evidence (RWE), despite the existence of strong RWE on rheumatoid arthritis. “Given the severity of the disease, and the large patient population, we urge you to evaluate these treatments with the perspectives of patients at the center and using methodologies that will improve, not inhibit, the ability of patients to access treatments that they need.” wrote Chairman Coelho.

In a letter to Senators working to advance reauthorization of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), Partnership to Improve Patient Care (PIPC) Chairman Tony Coelho provided feedback on a recent discussion draft of PCORI reauthorization. Chairman Coelho emphasized that this is a “crucial” time for Congress to build on the success of PCORI, noting that PIPC supports efforts to ensure that PCORI research is timely and responsive to the needs of those making decisions about new drugs and other treatment options. In addition to a fully funded reauthorization of PCORI for ten years, and Chairman Coelho offered suggestions pertaining to: (1) board composition; (2) methodology committee selection; (3) outcomes data; (4) high-impact research; and (5) enhancing statutes that protect PCORI’s patient-centered mission. “Now more than ever, we need solutions that are both evidence-based and patient-centered,” wrote Chairman Coelho. “The next 10 years of PCORI will be essential as the institute focuses on dissemination and implementation of its work."