UK's NICE says 'no' to Novartis' Afinitor for advanced RCC and delays Sprycel and Tasigna; Scotland backs Alimta and Stelara

In draft guidance, published today, the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) says it has been unable to recommend Swiss drug major Novartis' Afinitor (everolimus) for the second line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma.

This draft guidance is now available for public consultation. Consultees, health care professionals and members of the public are able to comment on the recommendations which are available until March 2 on the NICE web site.

Professor Peter Littlejohns, the NICE's Clinical and Public Health Director, said: 'We are disappointed not to be able to recommend everolimus as a second line treatment option for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. But National Health Service resources are limited and NICE has to decide which treatments represent best value to the patient as well as the NHS. Although evidence implies that this treatment is clinically effective, there is limited data about how long it can extend life. Everolimus is an expensive drug and we have to be sure the evidence on its effectiveness is robust before we recommend it. We do not want to divert NHS funds to a treatment that costs more but doesn't help people live longer.'