Bristol-Myers Squibb needs more evidence for NICE to back Yervoy

Bristol-Myers Squibb's Yervoy (ipilimumab) will not be widely available on the National Health Service in England and Wales.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance that recommends the skin cancer drug can only be used on NHS patients in clinical trials, as current evidence is lacking.

NICE has previously endorsed Yervoy as a second-line treatment for advanced malignant melanoma, but states Bristol-Myers Squibb has not provided enough evidence to show conclusively that the drug can extend life in previously untreated patients in comparison to current standard care.

"We understand that clinical trials are ongoing that could provide an answer to this important question and are keen to see the recruitment and continued follow up of patients in these trials encouraged," said chief executive of NICE Sir Andrew Dillon.

Bristol-Myers Squibb said if the decision is upheld it will prevent newly-diagnosed patients from being treated with a drug that has the potential to significantly increase overall survival.