So, news came out last week that the UK’s National Health Service will not be providing Ocrevus for treating primary progressive MS (PPMS) in England*. But, panic not, the decision is far from being set in stone.
Why is this? Because the decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (NICE), was that Genentech’s Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) did not meet its “value for money” criteria as a PPMS treatment. This was despite the fact that NICE’s evaluation committee agreed it is a “step change” for these patients.
The thing is that NICE has a history of reversing initial decisions, once it negotiates a lower purchasing price that makes the drug cost-effective.
Only last month, NICE reversed an earlier decision regarding relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients, and recommended Ocrevus be included in the NHS.
The decision was made after Genentech negotiated with NICE and reached agreement on an undisclosed price for the infusion treatment, which apparently sells in the US at an estimated annual list price of $65,000.
That’s exactly what I expect to happen this time.
A cynic (who me?) might suggest that NICE has made its two decisions to oppose the use of Ocrevus purely to obtain the drug at a lower price.
* Decisions about the availability of drugs for the other parts of the UK, namely Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, are made by different organisations.
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50shadesofsun.com is the personal website of Ian Franks, a freelance medical writer and editor for various health information sites. He enjoyed a successful career as a journalist, from reporter to editor in the print media. He gained a Journalist of the Year award in his native UK. Ian received a diagnosis of MS in 2002 and now lives in the south of Spain. He uses a wheelchair and advocates on mobility and accessibility issues.
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Note: Health-related information available on 50shadesofsun website is for your general knowledge only. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. I am not a doctor, so cannot and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues. Also, consult a doctor before starting a new diet or exercise programme. Any opinions expressed are purely my own unless otherwise stated.
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