NICE draft guidance backs Novartis' Cosentyx for ankylosing spondylitis

In draft guidance published today, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the drug cost-effectiveness watchdog for England and Wales, has recommended innovative new drug Cosentyx (secukinumab) from Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX) for treating ankylosing spondylitis.

The draft guidance recommends the drug for treating active ankylosing spondylitis in adults when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or TNF-alpha inhibitors have not worked or are not suitable.

Secukinumab, which was only licensed for use in the UK in May, is the first in a new class of drug to treat the condition. The drug helps patients by reducing inflammation and pain and improving mobility. The drug, which was approved by the European Commission in November 2015 and prior to that in the USA, generated sales of $260 million in the second quarter of 2016 and is billed as having blockbuster status.

Secukinumab comes in pre-filled pen syringes and is injected by the patient. Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation mainly in the joints of the lower spine, leading to back pain, stiffness, swelling and tiredness.

Hugh O'Dowd, country president and general manager of Novartis in the UK and Ireland, said: “Novartis welcomes the news that patients in England and Wales are one step closer to gaining access to Cosentyx for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. This decision acknowledges the significance of clinical data supporting this innovative treatment and highlights the potential of Cosentyx as the new standard of care for AS."

The list price of secukinumab is £9,140.85 ($12,185) per person in the first year and £7,312.68 in subsequent years. The drug is recommended only if the company provides it with the discount agreed in the confidential patient access scheme.

Professor Carole Longson, director of the NICE Centre for Health Technology Assessment, said: “Ankylosing spondylitis is a painful, debilitating and lifelong condition that can have a major negative impact on quality of life.