Project update: NICE RA biologics appraisal finishes!

It is safe to say that it appears to have been one of the more complex and controversial appraisals.  HEDS was involved throughout as the evidence review group; we can’t list everyone due to space constraints.  If you want to examine the voluminous documentation and high ICERs then look here.

From the NICE website:

“The guidance recommends adalimumab (Humira, AbbVie), etanercept (Enbrel, Pfizer), infliximab (Remicade, Merck Sharp & Dohme; Inflectra, Hospira UK; Remsima,Napp Pharmaceuticals ) ii, certolizumab pegol (Cimzia, UCB Pharma), golimumab (Simponi, Merck Sharp & Dohme), tocilizumab (RoActemra, Roche) and abatacept (Orencia, Bristol-Myers Squibb), each in combination with methotrexate.

Adalimumab, etanercept, certolizumab pegol or tocilizumab are also recommended as monotherapy for people who cannot take methotrexate.

In the case of certolizumab pegol, golimumab, abatacept and tocilizumab the recommendation is subject to the companies providing them as agreed in their patient access schemes.

The guidance states that treatment should be started with the least expensive drug (taking into account administration costs, dose needed and product price per dose).”

Image: My Arthritis