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Specialty Pharmacy Clinical Policy Bulletins
Aetna Non-Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Subject: Radicava-Radicava ORS 1961-A SGM P2023

Drug
RADICAVA  (edaravone)
RADICAVA ORS  (edaravone)


Policy:

      I.  INDICATIONS

          The indications below including FDA-approved indications and
          compendial uses are considered a covered benefit provided that
          all the approval criteria are met and the member has no
          exclusions to the prescribed therapy.

          FDA-Approved Indications
          Radicava and Radicava ORS are indicated for the treatment of
          amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

          All other indications are considered experimental/investigational
          and not medically necessary.


    II.  REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

          Submission of the following information is necessary to initiate
          the prior authorization review:
          Chart notes or medical record documentation supporting use as
          applicable in section IV and V.
          A.  Initial Requests:
               1.  Diagnosis of definite or probable ALS (e.g., medical
                    history and diagnostic testing including, nerve conduction
                    studies, imaging and laboratory values to support the
                    diagnosis)
               2.  Member has scores of at least 2 points on all 12 areas of
                    the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale
          B.  Continuation Requests:
               1.  Documentation of clinical benefit from Radicava therapy


   III.  PRESCRIBER SPECIALTIES

          This medication must be prescribed by or in consultation with a
          neurologist, neuromuscular specialist or physician specializing in
          the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).


   IV.  CRITERIA FOR INITIAL APPROVAL

          Authorization of 12 months may be granted for treatment of ALS
          when all of the following criteria are met:
          A.  Diagnosis of definite or probable ALS (e.g., medical history
               and diagnostic testing including, nerve conduction studies,
               imaging and laboratory values to support the diagnosis)
         B.  Member has scores of at least 2 points on all 12 areas of the
              revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R)
         C.  Continuous use of ventilatory support during the day and
              night is not required (noninvasive or invasive)


     V.  CONTINUATION OF THERAPY

          Authorization of 12 months may be granted for members
          continuing with Radicava therapy for the treatment of ALS when
          the following criteria are met:
          A.  Diagnosis of definite or probable ALS
          B.  There is a clinical benefit from Radicava therapy
          C.  Invasive ventilation is not required


Place of Service:

Outpatient

The above policy is based on the following references:
  1. Radicava [package insert]. Jersey City, NJ: MT Pharma America, Inc.; May 2022.
  2. EFNS Task Force on Diagnosis and Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; Andersen PM, et al. EFNS guidelines on the Clinical Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (MALS) – revised report of an EFNS task force. Eur J Neurol. 2012;19(3):360-75.
  3. Writing Group, Edaravone (MCI-186) ALS 19 Study Group. Safety and efficacy of edaravone in well defined patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol. 2017; 16:505-512.
Copyright Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. Pharmacy Clinical Policy Bulletins are developed by Aetna to assist in administering plan benefits and constitute neither offers of coverage nor medical advice. This Clinical Policy Bulletin contains only a partial, general description of plan or program benefits and does not constitute a contract. Aetna does not provide health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. Participating providers are independent contractors in private practice and are neither employees nor agents of Aetna or its affiliates. Treating providers are solely responsible for medical advice and treatment of members. This Clinical Policy Bulletin may be updated and therefore is subject to change.

October 22, 2023
Aetna
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