CAR Ts approved for new technology add-on payments

CMS approved new technology add-on payments (NTAPs) for CAR T cell 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).

Through the NTAP program, CMS offers hospitals supplemental reimbursement for using products that, in addition to being new, meet two criteria: the drug must increase the overall cost of treatment and demonstrate a "substantial clinical benefit" over standard of care (SOC). CMS determined the two therapies meet the criteria...