NICE recommends Arzerra in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
This article was originally published in Scrip
NICE, the health technology appraisal institute for England and Wales, has given chronic lymphocytic leukemia drug Arzerra (ofatumumab) the go-ahead in final draft guidance, for previously untreated patients. Arzerra, which was submitted to NICE by GlaxoSmithKline but now belongs to Novartis following the companies' asset-swapping deal, is to be used in combination with chlorambucil. NICE estimated that the drug's incremental cost-effectiveness ratio would be around £26,000 per quality adjusted life year gained, making it a good use of NHS resources. NICE also noted that GSK has offered the drug at a reduced price, though the details are confidential. Arzerra was previously rejected by NICE for patients with relapsed or refractory CLL, and it has also been delisted from the Cancer Drugs Fund for the same indication.
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