Lundbeck’s alcohol pill given NICE approval
pharmafile | November 27, 2014 | News story | Sales and Marketing | Lundbeck, NHS, NICE, alcohol, selincro
NICE has finally approved the use of Selincro (nalmefene) in order to help people who are dependent on alcohol cut down on the amount they drink.
Earlier NICE guidance in July saw the UK body recommended Lundbeck’s pill for use on the NHS, now it is confirming it as a cost-effective option for reducing consumption in adults who are alcohol-dependent.
Professor Carole Longson, NICE Health Technology Evaluation Centre director, says: “Many people have a difficult relationship with alcohol even though they have a very stable lifestyle, maintain jobs and a social life and would not automatically assume they have a problem. But regularly drinking over the recommended daily amount of alcohol can seriously damage your health.
“We are pleased to be able to recommend the use of namelfene to support people further in their efforts to fight alcohol dependence. When used alongside psychosocial support, nalmefene is clinically and cost-effective for the NHS compared with psychosocial support alone.”
Selincro costs £42.42 for a 14-tablet pack. Assuming it is used for approximately 60% of the time – as used in studies – the cost of a 28-day supply is estimated to be £48.48.
Taken once a day, Selincro is designed to reduce the craving for drink in 600,000 alcoholics who NICE estimates should have access to the drug.
Alcohol abuse is a major headache for governments, leading to crime and antisocial behaviour as well as ill-health through medical complications such as liver disease.
Approved in Europe just less than two years ago, Selincro has reduced alcohol consumption by nearly two-thirds after six months in trials involving patients who are high-risk drinkers.
It is recommended for men who drink more than 7.5 units per day and for women who drink 5 units a day, and according to the Danish manufacturer’s submission, 35,000 people are expected to be given the pill whilst receiving a psychosocial intervention.
Brett Wells
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