BRIEF—UK reimbursement uncertain for Cabometyx

The UK's 0National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued preliminary guidance which does not recommend Cabometyx (cabozantinib) for a specific use in thyroid cancer.

Developer Ipsen, which has rights to the therapy under the terms of a licensing agreement with Exelixis, wants to offer the product for certain people with thyroid cancer which has progressed after systemic treatment.

Ipsen UK and Ireland general manager Guy Oliver said: “Treatment options are extremely limited for people living with DTC and we believe cabozantinib addressed a significant unmet need in this patient population.”

He added: “The decision is also surprising due to the fact that cabozantinib fell within NICE’s cost-effectiveness range, especially as it was acknowledged by the NICE committee that there is an unmet need in England and Wales for an effective second-line treatment.”

NICE will proceed to a public consultation on the preliminary recommendation, in advance of the final recommendation which is expected later in 2023.