NICE recommends AbbVie's Humira and Merck's Remicade and Simponi for ulcerative colitis

25 February 2015

The UK’s health regulator, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended three drugs for ulcerative colitis.

Remicade (infliximab) and Simponi (golimumab) both from Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK), and Humira (adalimumab), manufactured by AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) were all recommended by NICE in the decision. They are licensed to treat moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy, or are unable to take such treatments. Infliximab is also licensed to treat children and adolescents aged 6-17 years.

Carole Longson, NICE health technology evaluation centre director, said: “This recommendation will benefit tens of thousands of people who live with this debilitating condition. We are very pleased that we can recommend all three drugs to treat ulcerative colitis. Those with the condition will have more options available to them and a greater chance of controlling their symptoms, so they can have a much better quality of life.”

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