BRIEF—Positive NICE decision for Oxbryta

UK health technology assessor the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has now approved Pfizer’s Oxbryta (voxelotor) to be recommended for use on the National Health Service NHS to treat people with hemolytic anemia caused by sickle cell disease (SCD).

The NICE had previously rejected the drug, but new price negotiations have resulted in the positive decision.

Following last Friday’s recommendation, the NHS will fund the treatment straightaway via the Innovative Medicines Fund (IMF), meaning that eligible patients can receive fast-tracked access to the drug.

Up to 4,000 people with sickle cell disease in England could benefit from Voxelotor if recommended by their clinician, which will offer an additional treatment option.