CMS initiates national coverage analysis of CAR T therapies

CMS began a national coverage analysis Wednesday to review the use of CAR T cell therapies to treat cancer.

An NCA is the first step in the path to developing a National Coverage Decision that would impose a uniform national coverage policy. In February, UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) requested that CMS issue an NCD for the two FDA-approved CAR T therapies -- Kymriah tisagenlecleucel from Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) and Yescarta axicabtagene ciloleucel from the Kite Pharma Inc. unit of Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD)...