NICE has reversed its recommendation on Novartis’ Xolair (omalizumab) and has now backed the treatment as an option for severe and persistent allergic asthma in final draft guidance.

The decision by NICE’s Appraisal Committee comes after Novartis supplied additional analysis on the product and submitted a patient access scheme to provide Xolair at a discounted rate.

Professor Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director at NICE, said the Institute was “pleased to now be able to recommend Xolair as an effective therapy for adults, adolescents and children with this condition.”

Xolair was originally recommended for use in adults but not for use in children.

But after additional analysis the health-related quality of life benefits – which NICE said were “not quantifiable” – were acknowledged alongside the cost effectiveness of the treatment.

Final guidance is now expected to be published next month.

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