NICE backs Celgene's multiple myeloma pill

Celgene has managed to get its Imnovid past NICE at the second attempt for multiple myeloma, thanks to new data comparing it with rival treatments and competitive pricing.

NICE rejected Imnovid (pomalidomide) pill last year in second line, but has now recommended it in combination with low dose dexamethasone, in adults who had relapsed after three previous treatments.

The drug had been reimbursed by the Cancer Drugs Fund, but was removed because the scheme was vastly overspent.

These treatments include Celgene’s Revlimid (lenalidomide) and Takeda/Janssen’s Velcade (bortezomib).

In an updated final draft guidance document, NICE said the new data shows the drug is a cost-effective use of National Health Service resources because of extra leeway granted for end-of-life medicines.

Imnovid meets these end-of-life criteria after third relapse, and NICE said the drug is cost-effective as long as Celgene supplies it at a commercially confidential discount.

The cost of a course of treatment is around £44,420 before the discount is applied, NICE said.

Data showed that Imnovid was less effective than Novartis’ Farydak (panobinostat), with a lower overall survival benefit.

But Imnovid’s lower price also produced cost savings, meaning Celgene’s drug won over Novartis’ rival in NICE’s calculations.

NICE is consulting on the draft guidance, which applies to England and Wales, and will publish final guidance in the coming weeks.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium separately recommended funding for Imnovid in multiple myeloma after two relapses, in 2014.

Dr. Adrian Kilcoyne, medical director at Celgene UK & Ireland, said: “Since the removal of pomalidomide from the CDF, Celgene has worked collaboratively with NICE to help ensure that patients in England can access this medicine which can improve overall survival by five months."