UK’s NICE draft guidance backs Novartis’ Glivec for GISTs

UK health care watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new draft guidance proposing to recommend Swiss drug major Novartis’ (NOVN: VX) Glivec (imatinib) after surgery for some people with gastro-intestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

This appraisal reviews previous guidance issued to the National Health Service in 2010 which did not recommend imatinib. This new draft guidance recommends imatinib after surgery, as adjuvant therapy, for up to three years for adults who are at high risk of relapse.

Carole Longson, health technology evaluation center director at NICE, said: “When the original guidance was published, the committee felt there wasn’t enough evidence about key aspects of the clinical effectiveness of imatinib. However, as the results from ongoing trials have been published and there is now clear evidence that giving imatinib after surgery can delay the recurrence of GIST and in some cases increase survival, we are pleased to be able to propose recommending the drug.”

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. Comments received during this consultation will be considered by the Committee and following this meeting the next draft guidance will be issued.

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