GSK responds to NICE appraisal of Tyverb

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has responded to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)’s second technology appraisal consultation document regarding the use of Tyverb (lapatinib)) together with capecitabine for women with advanced or previously-treated metastatic breast cancer.

The firm states the draft recommendations issued by NICE suggest that Tyverb should not be used in the NHS – except for clinical trials.

Simon Jose, general manager of GSK Pharmaceuticals, states given the company’s involvement, it has hard to comment without the appearance of self-interest.

“However, we strongly believe that the wrong decision has been made for patients, doctors and the NHS,” he adds.

Mr Jose continues to state Tyverb offers “real hope” to patients with ErbB2-positive advance breast cancer who have few treatment options left.

“We therefore remain wholly committed to working with the NHS and NICE to make this innovative medicine available,” he concludes.

In recent days, GSK announced that a study it carried out confirmed that in the decade since its initiation, the worldwide effort to eliminate lymphatic filariasis has made “unprecedented strides” towards ridding the globe of one of its most debilitating conditions.