The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has reversed a previous guidance and recommended use on the NHS of three big-selling biologics - Merck & Co’s Remicade and Simponi and AbbVie’s Humira - for treating moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

The cost watchdog has issued its final appraisal document to allow use of Remicade (infliximab), Simponi (golimumab) and Humira (adalimumab) within their marketing authorisations, as options for UC. Specifically, they can be prescribed for adults whose disease has responded inadequately to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and mercaptopurine or azathioprine, or who cannot tolerate these drugs.

Simponi is recommended only if Merck provides the 100mg dose at the same cost as the 50mg dose, as agreed in the patient access scheme. Also the NICE FAD has backed Remicade as an option for severely active UC in children and young people aged six-17.

This is the first time children have been granted access to these therapies in the UK. Previously, access was limited to children with acute severe UC as an alternative to ciclosporin and in Scotland only.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmatimes.com/Article/14-12-14/NICE_U-turn_backs_biologics_for_ulcerative_colitis.aspx