Abbott, Roche arthritis drugs appraised by NICE

Arthritis treatments from Abbott and Roche have received an appraisal from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

The institute has announced its final guidance on MabThera (rituximab) from Roche and Humira (adalimumab) from Abbott as treatments for psoriatic arthritis as part of its rapid single technology appraisal work initiative.

Nice has recommended that rituximab be used on conjunction with methotrexate as a treatment option for severe active rheumatoid arthritis patients exhibiting intolerance or inadequate response to drugs including at least one tumour necrosis factor inhibitor.

Adalimuamb has been recommended for use in patients with active and progressive psoriatic arthritis with peripheral arthritis if the patient has three or more tender joints and three or more swollen joints, when the patient has not responded to administration of a minimum of two standard treatments.

Executive lead for the appraisal Andrew Dillon said: “Following further clarification from the manufacturer on the economic analysis of rituximab, the committee has assessed that these drugs represent the right approach for the NHS to take in the treatment of two severe forms of arthritis.”

He added that the approval of these compounds is of benefit to up to one per cent of the British population that suffers from psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis, with patients assured of access to effective treatment.

In November 2006, Reuters reported that top executives forecast sales of MabThera to eventually exceed $1 billion (500 million pounds) a year as a treatment for autoimmune conditions.