NICE clears Xolair for hives
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
NICE has recommended Novartis's Xolair (omalizumab) as an option for treating severe chronic spontaneous urticaria (also known as hives) in some adults and young people aged 12 years and over. It has been is recommended on the basis that it will be provided to the NHS at a reduced price as part of the patient access scheme. Xolair was approved and cleared by NICE for allergic asthma but almost had that recommendation rescinded in 2012 but Novartis managed to persuade NICE to uphold the original decision after putting a patient access scheme in place. However, when Xolair initially came before NICE for the hives indication, Novartis was asked to provide more details and analysis on the submission. In March, NICE indicated in final draft guidance that it was satisfied with Novartis's efforts.