Fostamatinib is approved for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenia in adults who are refractory to other treatments (in particular to treatment with corticosteroids). The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) examined in an early benefit assessment whether fostamatinib offers an added benefit for these patients in comparison with eltrombopag or romiplostim.

The drug manufacturer recognized both drugs as appropriate comparator therapy, but presented neither direct nor indirect comparisons between fostamatinib and the appropriate comparator therapy. IQWiG therefore concluded that an added benefit is not proven.

Comparisons with appropriate comparator therapy necessary

The approval studies, the data of which the manufacturer cited in its dossier, compared fostamatinib with placebo. Randomized controlled trials with direct comparisons between fostamatinib and eltrombopag or romiplostim are not available. The manufacturer did not identify any suitable data for an adjusted indirect comparison.

Comparisons with the appropriate comparator therapy are necessary, however, to understand the benefit and harm that the different treatment options have for the patients in relation to each other. They are the backbone of the early benefit assessment: There is no other way to determine an added benefit of the drug in comparison with the current standard treatment.

G-BA decides on the extent of added benefit

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