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news.National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) for approval as an option for the treatment of adults with severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the condition that the patient access scheme is implemented and the drug is prescribed in accordance with NICE TAG130.
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UCB, a Belgium-based biopharmaceutical company, has worked with the Department of Health to provide an alternative for people with RA through a patient access scheme. In clinical studies, the new drug has demonstrated positive results as early as the first week of treatment and the majority of patients responded to treatment within the first 12 weeks.
UCB and the Department of Health have agreed a patient access scheme to ensure that treatment decisions are based on patient need rather than cost. UCB said that it would make the new treatment available to all eligible RA patients free of charge for the first 12 weeks.
Clinical trials have also shown that, the drug, in combination with methotrexate has shown fast and lasting RA symptom reduction for up to two years. These results were accompanied by long-term improvements to quality of life such as pain relief, fatigue, energy and emotional well-being.
Reportedly, Cimzia will compete with other NICE endorsed TNF inhibitors like J&J/Schering-Plough’s Remicade (infliximab), Abbott’ Humira (adalimumab) and Amgen/Wyeth’s Enbrel (etanercept).
Ailsa Bosworth, chief executive of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, said: “This is the first time a new NICE recommended RA treatment has been made available in over two years – and could make a big difference to patients’ day to day lives.”
Peter Taylor, investigator and professor in experimental rheumatology at Imperial College London NHS Trust, said: “Certolizumab pegol is an important new treatment option for people with RA and it’s exciting that it is now available on the NHS.
“Certolizumab pegol has been shown to rapidly improve patients’ symptoms and to significantly reduce the rate of progression of joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This fast and lasting effect is important as it quickly improves function, reduces work disability and leads to a better quality of life for patients.”