Posted by Michael Wonder on 05 Aug 2015
NICE U-turn on Roche's Tarceva
NICE has issued revised draft guidance reversing its decision to restrict access to Rocheâs Tarceva (erlotinib hydrochloride) in patients with second-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
In 2008, NICE recommended Tarceva for use on the NHS, and since then the treatment has become the standard of care for relapsed NSCLC, with 60% of clinicians choosing to prescribe it over chemotherapy, says Roche.
However, in February NICE issued an Appraisal Consultation Document (ACD) stating that access to the drug would be limited following a review of the existing guidance which found that Tarceva no longer met the Instituteâs criteria for clinical and cost effectiveness. But following a consultation, NICE has now modified its draft guidance to allow the continued use of Tarceva on the NHS for relapsed NSCLC.
Roche has welcomed the move, saying that it will benefit around 2,000 patients a year. âThe voices of clinicians and patients have been heard,â said the company.
For more details, go to: http://www.pharmatimes.com/Article/14-04-04/NICE_U-turn_on_Roche_s_Tarceva.aspx#ixzz2xyL7HbAn
