Patients with a specific type of bone marrow disorder in England and Wales will be disappointed by news that cost regulators have not approved National Health Service use of Celgene's Revlimid (lenalidomide).

In draft guidance published this week, NICE has turned down funding for the drug in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes characterised by a a certain chromosomal abnormality called a deletion 5q cytogenetic abnormality.

This is because while clinical experts told the committee that Revlimid is an effective therapy, the data provided by Celgene "showed uncertainty about whether lenalidomide actually extended lives", the Institute said, although it's Committee did concede that a survival benefit was plausible.

Currently, for patients with the particular kind of MDS considered in this appraisal who have increased transfusion-dependence, the main treatment option is best supportive care.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmatimes.com/Article/14-05-20/NICE_rejects_Celgene_s_Revlimid_again.aspx#ixzz32JnS3AOw