NICE has recommended Novartis’ Tasigna (nilotinib) and Glivec (imatinib) for the first line treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), but failed to recommend BMS’ Sprycel (dasatinib) in final guidance.
Despite evidence demonstrating Sprycel and Tasigna to be more clinically effective than standard dose Glivec, Sprycel’s cost swayed NICE’s decision after Novartis agreed to supply Tasigna at a reduced price.
Professor Carole Longson, Director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE, says the cost reduction “enabled” the independent Appraisal Committee to recommend its use on the NHS.
The appraisal incorporates a partial review of guidance published in October 2003 which recommended standard dose Glivec for first line treatment of CML.
NICE’s independent Appraisal Committee considered results of clinical trials that showed statistically more people receiving Sprycel and Glivec had a complete cytogenetic response and a major molecular response compared with people using Glivec after a 12 month review.
The Committee also noted the opinions of clinical specialists and patient experts who suggested that Tasigna and Sprycel were more effective than standard dose Glivec – despite it being a “very effective” option for the majority of patients.
Sprycel and Tasigna both cost more than £30,000 per patient, per year. Standard dose Glivec costs in the region of £20,000. However, after Novartis had agreed a Patient Access Scheme with the Department of Health for Tasigna, NICE deemed it was a cost effective use of NHS resources.
“The recommendations reaffirm the use of imatinib as an effective treatment for the majority of patients and a cost effective use of NHS resources, and we are also very pleased to be able to add a further treatment option for these patients by recommending nilotinib,” said Professor Longson.
“Although no trials directly comparing dasatinib and nilotinib were available, the committee concluded from indirect comparisons that dasatinib and nilotinib could be considered equally as effective in treating CML.
“However, the manufacturer of nilotinib has already agreed with the Department of Health to provide the drug to the NHS at a discounted price.”
CML is a rare condition that affects around 560 people in the UK each year.
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