UK NICE backs Janssen’s Velcade for multiple myeloma

In new draft guidance published today, UK drugs watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended US health care giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen’s Velcade (bortezomib) as a treatment for some patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma.

This appraisal examines the use of bortezomib in combination with dexamethasone, or with dexamethasone and thalidomide for the induction treatment of adult patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma, who are eligible for high-dose chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (bone marrow transplant).

Sir Andrew Dillon, NICE chief executive, said: “Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops from cells in the bone marrow; almost 4,000 cases are diagnosed every year in the UK. There is currently no cure for the disease, only treatments to stop the progress of the condition and help relieve symptoms. We are very pleased to propose adding bortezomib to the number of treatments for different stages of the disease. Clinical specialists told the committee that induction treatment with bortezomib would enable a greater number of patients to proceed to a bone transplant and consequently prevent the disease from progressing for longer.”

The draft guidance is now with consultees, who have the opportunity to appeal against it. Until NICE issues final guidance, National Health Service bodies should make decisions locally on the funding of specific treatments.

Velcade pricing

The cost of bortezomib is £762.38 per 3.5mg vial. The average cost of a course of treatment with bortezomib given with dexamethasone is estimated to be £12,260.91 ($20,386) and the average cost of a course of treatment with bortezomib given with dexamethasone and thalidomide is estimated to be £24,840.10.