BeiGene's WM drug backed for reimbursement in England and Wales

UK health technology assessor the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a final appraisal document (FAD) recommending Brukinsa (zanubrutinib).

Developed by Sino-American biotech BeiGene’s (HKEX: 06160), Brukinsa reimbursement is cleared for the treatment of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) in adults who have had at least one treatment, only if bendamustine plus rituximab is also suitable.

This NICE decision marks Brukinsa as the first and only treatment for WM to be recommended for routine use in England and Wales. The NICE Committee acknowledged the high unmet need for an effective and well tolerated treatment for WM “where current chemoimmunotherapy options can cause severe adverse reactions and the need for frequent hospital visits.”