HEDS is part of the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield. We undertake research, teaching, training and consultancy on all aspects of health related decision science, with a particular emphasis on health economics, HTA and evidence synthesis.

Monday 23 May 2011

NICE TA in rheumatoid arthritis

The final appraisal determination for the use of golimumab (Simponi) as a second line DMARD in RA in combination with methotrexate was published on 13 May.  The guidance recommends golimumab as an option for treating rheumatoid arthritis in specific circumstances where response to DMARD therapy has been inadequate.  The appraisal was undertaken by HEDS, with the team being Rachel Jackson, Jonathan Tosh, Sarah Davis, Ruth Wong, Matt Stevenson and John Stevens.

This follows the previous ‘minded no’ given by NICE, with a request for the manufacturer to provide additonal analyses that would provide more valid estimates of cost-effectiveness.  The ICERs for golimumab also include a patient access scheme whereby the manufacturer provides the 100 mg dose of golimumab at the same cost as the 50 mg dose (for patients weighing over 100 kg).

A related appraisal of golimumab for the treatment of methotrexate-naive rheumatoid arthritis has been suspended after the manufacturer of golimumab informed NICE that they will not provide an evidence submission.