Calculating the Value of Patient Lives

ICER’s pricing models assess the value of a drug and whether your life is worth paying for it. Health economist Dr. Paul Langley explains how ICER’s recommendations devalue patient lives and create barriers to accessible treatments. Dr. Bob and Terry examine the high profits recently reported by health insurance companies, while Kate speaks with Jen Hepworth on accessing cystic fibrosis treatments for her daughter.  And we hear from Erica Dean, a mom with a daughter living with cystic fibrosis, who ICER canceled from speaking at their event next week. We allow her to share her story with us! 

Guest:

Paul C. Langley, Ph.D. Health economist and adjunct professor in the College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota 

Dr. Paul C. Langley is a health economist with an extensive background in drug evaluation for pharmacy and therapeutics companies. In the early 1990s, Dr. Langley evaluated the economics for the introduction of new pharmaceutical products. In Australia, he worked to analyze cost-effectiveness cases brought forward by pharmaceutical companies introducing new products until 1994. 

After moving to America, Dr. Langley produced numerous research projects regarding evaluation techniques for the introduction of new pharmaceutical and therapeutic products to the United States. In 1997, he also established the Center for Pharmaceutical Economics at the University of Colorado. 

From 1999 to 2005, Dr. Langley used his global experience and perspective in his role as International Manager of Health Economics at 3M Pharmaceuticals. 

Dr. Langley’s research focuses on issues of population health. His recent publications have analyzed how ICER’s cost-effectiveness claims in the U.S. do not meet scientific standards. 

Currently, Dr. Langley is the director of Maimon Research LLC, an Arizona-based health economics consulting and research company. He also works as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy. Dr. Langley is currently an Advisory Board Member and Research Director for the Institute of Patient Access. 

Dr. Langley earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Hull in the U.K., his master’s degree from Carleton University, and his doctorate degree from Queen’s University in Canada. 

Hosts:

Terry Wilcox, Executive Director, Patients Rising

Dr. Robert Goldberg, “Dr. Bob”, Co-Founder and Vice President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest.

Kate Pecora, Field Correspondent 

Links:

Maimon Research LLC

Langley PC. More Unnecessary Imaginary Worlds – Part 3: Cystic Fibrosis and the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review’s Draft Evidence Report. Inov Pharm. 2020;11(1): No. 15

Langley P. Value Assessment in Cystic Fibrosis: ICER’s Rejection of the Axioms of Fundamental Measurement. Inov Pharm. 2020;11(2):No. 8

Patients Rising Concierge 

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The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the guest(s)/ author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of Patients Rising.