NICE has ruled that it is unable to recommend Novartis’ everolimus (Afinitor) for the second line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, due to doubts about its ability to extend life.
The appraisal committee decided that, although the drug is clinically effective, more evidence is needed to judge whether it is a reasonable use of NHS resources.
Novartis offered a Patient Access Scheme in which the first treatment pack of everolimus is free to the NHS and following treatment packs are charged at a 5% discount. However, the appraisal committee judged that the cost of the drug still fell too far beyond the current QALY threshold.
The draft guidance is now available for public consultation until 2 March 2010 and any comments received will be fully considered by the Appraisal Committee.
Professor Peter Littlejohns, NICE Clinical and Public Health Director, said: “We are disappointed not to be able to recommend everolimus, but NHS 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.”