15 September 2015 - It is looking unlikely that patients with gastric cancer will get routine access to Eli Lilly’s Cyramza on the National Health Service in England and Wales after cost regulators remained unconvinced of its value for money.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has published an appraisal consultation document in which use of Cyramza (ramucirumab) - either alone or in combination with paclitaxel - is not supported for pre-treated advanced gastric cancer or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.

The independent appraisal committee said data from the RAINBOW trial show that Cyramza plus paclitaxel provided an extension to life of 2.3 median months in overall survival compared with paclitaxel plus best supportive care, while that from the REGARD trial show that Cyramza monotherapy plus BSC extended life by 1.4 median months versus placebo/best supportive care.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmatimes.com/Article/15-09-15/Early_NICE_rejection_for_Lilly_s_gastric_cancer_drug_Cyramza.aspx