UK's NICE asks Santen for more information on Ikervis in dry eye

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published preliminary recommendations on ciclosporin, marketed as Ikervis by Japanese drugmaker Santen (TYO: 4536), and has asked the company for more information.

The recommendations specifically relate to the indication of dry eye disease which has not improved despite treatment with artificial tears. The independent appraisal committee noted that it had not been given evidence on the relative cost and clinical effectiveness of the therapy compared with established clinical practice. The acquisition cost of a monthly course of ciclosporin is £72 ($114.34; (excluding VAT).

It requested more information to inform its decision-making including an indirect comparison of the clinical effectiveness of ciclosporin plus corticosteroids (if needed) and artificial ears and that of corticosteroids (if needed) and artificial tears. The committee also asked for an economic model comparing the cost effectiveness of ciclosporin plus corticosteroids and artificial tears, with that of corticosteroids and artificial tears.