NICE recommends Novartis' Mekinist with Tafinlar for skin cancer

29 April 2016

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published final draft guidance recommending Swiss drugmaker Novartis’ (NOVN: VX) Mekinist (trametinib) in combination with Tafinlar (dabrafenib) for the treatment of skin cancer.

Trials showed patients with BRAF V600 mutation positive unresectable or metastic melanoma who received the new treatment survived an average of six months longer than those on other drugs.

Professor Carole Longson, Health Technology Evaluation Centre director at NICE, said: “The combination treatment is the latest in a line of promising new drugs for advanced melanoma we have recommended that look set to significantly extend the life of people with the condition. I know from testimonies presented to the committee that patients and healthcare professionals alike will welcome this positive recommendation.”

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