A Flexible Modeling Platform for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most common autoimmune inflammatory arthritis in adults and often negatively impacts patients’ quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

To help decision-makers identify high-value treatments for patients with RA, the IVI-RA model simulates the lifetime costs and benefits of different strategies for treating patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.

The most recent version of the IVI-RA model (released January 2020) includes updates to included therapies and updates to underlying evidence. Important changes include the following:

  • Additional treatment options (triple therapy, Janus Kinase uptake inhibitors, sarilumab, and biosimilars)
  • Updated treatment effect estimates based on additional randomized controlled evidence
  • Updated cost estimates

Get Started with the IVI-RA Value Model

The IVI-RA model features easy-to-use web-based interfaces designed to help healthcare decision-makers evaluate treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis.

Two versions of the IVI-RA interface are available. The Basic interface is designed to provide a streamlined experience for general audience users with limited expertise. The Advanced interface is designed for users with clinical or technical expertise and provides complete control over all modeling.

IVI-RA Basic Value Model

IVI-RA Advanced Value Model

Contact us at info@thevalueinitiative.org for questions or additional information.

User Input Improves the IVI-RA Model

Public Feedback Drives Model Development

The Open-Source Value Project allows for iterative and collaborative development of all modeling platforms — including the IVI-RA model — in order to incorporate diverse perspectives.

From sharing your perspective on what factors should be included in our measurement of value to recommending changes to the underlying source code, we encourage continued participation as part of the public feedback process. IVI held an open feedback period on the initial IVI-RA model release. These comments, which represent a range of perspectives, are the basis for upcoming model revisions and will inform future iterations of both the IVI-RA model and future OSVP models.

Setting Priorities for Model Evolution

Following the open comment period on the initial IVI-RA model release (January 2017), a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) of subject-matter experts reviewed all feedback and developed recommendations for improving the model (read full report here). Of these, the TEP identified several priorities including:

  • Expanding the use of real-world data sources
  • Updating the clinical evidence used
  • Increasing the flexibility and capacity of the model

The most recent release of the IVI-RA model (January 2020) includes incorporation of additional therapies and updates to clinical evidence and cost estimates. Upcoming model revisions will address additional TEP recommendations and incorporate ongoing research on value assessment methods, followed by a second open comment period.

Learn More about the IVI-RA Model

How Does the IVI-RA Model Work?

The IVI-RA model is an open-source simulation model that decision-makers can use to assess the value of different sequences of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Specifically, the IVI-RA model provides information on expected health benefits, risks and costs for patients with moderate to severe RA.

There is a lot to learn about the IVI-RA model. Get started with the links below, or visit our FAQs page.

Many Ways to Use the IVI-RA Model

There are multiple ways to use the IVI-RA model, with options for a wide range of users – from those new to modeling to expert programmers.

  • IVI-RA Basic Value Tool: This interactive online tool provides a streamlined experience requiring no existing expertise.
  • IVI-RA Advanced Value Tool: For users who want control over all the modeling parameters and structural assumptions, this interface provides a complete dashboard interface for running analyses with the IVI-RA model.
  • iviRA R Package: The R package is available to users who would like to fully customize their analyses.
  • Source Code: Complete source code for the IVI-RA model is available for download and adaptation.
LICENSING:
The IVI-RA model, part of the Open-Source Value Project (OSVP), was created, developed, and is owned by Precision Health Economics LLC (now PRECISIONheor) and is licensed to IVI Foundation, Inc. for its use in connection with redefining how value of pharmaceutical treatment is assessed. In keeping with IVI’s philosophy, this includes sharing and distribution of source code, data and parameter inputs, and any additional materials and technical documentation supporting open use, distribution, and adaptation of the model with attribution to the model developers.
In addition, any work performed by IVI based on the IVI-RA model is conducted as part of the OSVP and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license visit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.