NHS accepts Pfizer’s tafamidis for ATTR-CM treatment
Betsy Goodfellow | May 14, 2024 | News story | Medical Communications | ATTR-CM, Cardiology, NHS, Pfizer, tafamidis
NHS England has announced that it has accepted Pfizer’s drug, tafamidis, for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).
This rare hear condition results in ‘clumps of protein build-up in the heart, often resulting in heart failure and potentially proving fatal’, according to the press release.
The once-a-day treatment with tafamidis works through slowing this build-up of protein deposits, with a clinical trial showing a 41% reduced rate of the risk of death compared to the placebo group. The trials also demonstrated that patients had fewer hospitalisations due to this condition, again compared to the placebo group.
Tafamidis is now available on the NHS, as of 13 May, and is receiving interim funding from the Innovative Medicines Fund, following its approval by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Professor Simon Ray, national clinical director for heart disease at NHS England, commented: “A first of its kind, tafamidis will give those living with this rare progressive condition new hope – with NHS patients now able to benefit from a once-a-day treatment that can reduce the risk of hospitalisation and heart failure. This pioneering drug is just one example of the NHS delivering on its commitment to ensure patients across the country have access to the latest and most effective treatments to help significantly improve their quality of life.”
Susan Rienow, country president at Pfizer UK, added: “This positive NICE decision, and interim funding through the Innovative Medicines Fund, is a significant milestone for eligible patients. We’ve remained committed to ensuring access to tafamidis and we’re pleased that it will now be available across the UK. We hope this step will contribute towards further improving the diagnosis and care of people with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.”
Betsy Goodfellow
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