16 September 2015 - NICE has today confirmed its previous final draft guidance not to recommend collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiapex, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB), a treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture for routine use. Instead further research is recommended.

Dupuytren’s contracture is the condition where the fingers gradually bend in towards the palm of the hand and cannot be straightened. NICE’s previous draft guidance, published in February, was withdrawn to allow the company to submit further information.

“Although there are surgical treatments available for people with Dupuytren’s contracture, collagenase clostridium histolyticum is the first drug to be developed for treating the condition” said Professor Carole Longson MBE, director of the centre for health technology evaluation at NICE.

“The independent Committee felt the treatment is innovative and shows real promise, particularly in people with moderate disease. However, the Committee agreed with comments from patients and clinicians that further research into the clinical effectiveness of collagenase clostridium histolyticum compared with other treatments for Dupuytren’s contracture is needed before NICE is able to determine whether it represents a clinically and cost effective option for routine use in the NHS.

“This draft guidance therefore recommends that collagenase clostridium histolyticum is used in the context of research, which we hope will help to clarify the potential benefits this treatment could provide for patients.”

For more details, go to: http://www.nice.org.uk/news/press-and-media/nice-proposes-further-research-for-dupuytren’s-contracture-treatment