UK NICE criticized for denying patients access to cystic fibrosis med on cost grounds

23 March 2016

US biotech firm Vertex (Nasdaq: VRTX) has slammed the UK cost watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), for its failure to recommend the company’s treatment for cystic fibrosis.

The NICE issued draft guidance today which did not endorse the use of Orkambi (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) for use on the National Health Service (NHS) in England for those affected by the life-threatening genetic disease.

Its expense – compared to the apparent benefits – meant it was not a worthwhile use of NHS resources, NICE’s independent appraisal committee found.

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