Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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A new rheumatoid arthritis drug called tocilizumab (brand name RoActemra) has been given the green light for use on the NHS.
Patients will now be able to take the biologic therapy - but only if they have already failed to respond to other treatments, including rituximab.
The decision represents a change of heart by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), which had previously indicated that it would not approve the drug.
But Dr Carole Longson, director of the institute's Centre for Health Technology, explained that the appraisal committee had received extra data from the manufacturer which had enabled it to make positive draft recommendations.
She added that she hoped the decision would be 'good news' for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society welcomed the approval.
Chief executive officer Ailsa Bosworth said: 'It's been a long battle, but it makes economic sense because it will enable people to remain independent and working, and gives patients and clinicians more choice and control over management of their disease.'how to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2010 Posts: 441 Location: Bristol
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Thanks for posting this, Jenni. Always good news when they add some more options for those of us that have tried everything else!
Joanna
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/18/2010 Posts: 1,098 Location: farningham kent
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All good positive stuff, just what we want to hear.
Take care Jenni,
Julia xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 242
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Fabulous news!!! Thanks for posting this Jenni. It really gives people like myself hope that there are other drug options. At last NICE have seen the light.
Rebecca
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