NICE recommends Celgene’s Revlimid in treatment-naive multiple myeloma
pharmafile | May 20, 2019 | News story | Sales and Marketing | Celgene, NICE, Revlimid, UK, multiple myeloma
Celgene’s Revlimid (lenalidomide) has been recommended by NICE for use on the NHS in England and Wales in combination with dexamethasone in the treatment of previously untreated multiple myeloma, the company has announced. The expanded indication relates specifically to adult patients who are not eligible for stem cell transplant and only where thalidomide cannot be tolerated or is contraindicted.
The decision brings treatment in England in line with the wider UK, and means that an estimated 1,900 previously untreated multiple myeloma patients in the UK will now have access to a new therapy option earlier in the treatment pathway.
Furthermore, an additional positive Final Appraisal recommended that the combo be made available for patients who had previously received just one prior therapy including bortezomib, with around 680 patient thought to benefit.
“Today’s recommendation will be welcomed by both the clinical community and the multiple myeloma patients we treat. For most patients, multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer which requires a different treatment option at every stage of disease,” commented Professor Graham Jackson, Consultant Haematologist at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. “Lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone is an important all oral treatment option for people affected by multiple myeloma.” “I am therefore delighted that patients are now able to benefit from lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone earlier in the treatment pathway.”
Remo Gujer, General Manager at Celgene UK & Ireland, also remarked: “We are delighted that from today patients in England will now be able to access lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone at earlier stages of their disease, marking an important milestone for patients. We remain committed to bringing effective and innovative treatments to multiple myeloma patients in the UK.”
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