NICE consults on draft guidance backing Invokana, as drug debuts in the UK

UK drugs watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is currently appraising Invokana (canagliflozin), from US health care giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen-Cilag, when used in combination with other anti-diabetic drugs, including insulin, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

In draft guidance issued today for consultation NICE has recommended canagliflozin as a treatment option for some people with the condition. The news came just as Janssen announced that it has launched Invokana in the UK.

Canagliflozin is an oral, once-daily medication belonging to a new class of drug called sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT-2) inhibitors. It works by blocking the re-absorption of glucose in the kidneys which is instead passed out of the body in the urine.

“Useful addition” to anti-diabetic armoury

Carole Longson, director, Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at the NICE said: “Type 2 diabetes can be difficult to treat and most people will eventually require a number of drugs, often used simultaneously. Canagliflozin represents a useful addition to the armoury of anti-diabetic drugs available to clinicians. NICE is therefore pleased to be able to recommend its use for some people with type 2 diabetes. The draft guidance is now out for consultation and I would urge all those with an interest in type 2 diabetes to comment via the NICE website.”

Consultees, including the manufacturer, health care professionals and members of the public are now able to comment on the preliminary recommendations which are available for public consultation until March 17. Comments received during this consultation will be fully considered by the Committee and following this meeting the next draft guidance will be issued.

Until final guidance is issued to the National Health Service, NHS bodies should make decisions locally on the funding of specific treatments. Once NICE issues its final guidance on a technology, it replaces local recommendations across the country.