Novartis’ experimental multiple sclerosis therapy siponimod is on the brink of being filed in the US.
News
NEJM publishes venetoclax/rituximab data
A combination of venetoclax and rituximab being developed by AbbVie and Roche/Genentech significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), shows data published by the New England Journal of Medicine.
Psoriasis patients get NHS access to LEO Pharma’s Kyntheum
Cost regulators for NHS therapies in England and Wales have now published final guidelines backing the use of LEO Pharma’s Kyntheum as an option for treating severe plaque psoriasis.
UK patients get early access to Akcea’s volanesorsen
Akcea Therapeutics’ volanesorsen will be available to eligible patients in the UK before it is officially licensed in the EU, having been granted entry to the country’s Early Access to Medicines Scheme.
US green lights new biologic for psoriasis
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Sun Pharma’s Ilumya as a new treatment option for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.
GSK trials Benlysta/rituximab combo for lupus
GlaxoSmithKline has kicked off a Phase III trial assessing its lupus drug Benlysta in combination with rituximab in adult patients with the condition.
US expands scope of Seattle Genetics’ Adcetris
US regulators have approved Seattle Genetics’ Adcetris in combination with chemotherapy for adult patients with previously untreated Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma.
Novartis links with NHS Cancer Vanguard sites
Swiss drug giant Novartis has announced the launch of two new joint working projects with national Cancer Vanguard sites, which aim to determine novel ways of boosting patient care pathways and access to services.
Charity forms Alzheimer’s disease taskforce
Alzheimer’s Research UK is calling on the NHS and the pharma industry to join its new taskforce to ensure people with dementia can access future treatments without unnecessary delay.
Skin conditions cost NHS £723m a year
New research shows that more than three million primary care hours are spent on skin conditions, at a cost to the NHS of £723 million each year.
NIHR launches new standards for public involvement in research
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has launched a new set of national standards for public involvement in clinical research for use by organisations across the UK.
NICE rejects rare eye disease drug
Cost regulators for NHS therapies in England and Wales have published draft guidelines rejecting funding for Dompé’s cenegermin as a treatment for neurotrophic keratitis, a rare eye condition.
Real world data back Sanofi’s Toujeo for type I diabetes
Sanofi has unveiled real-world data from the UK showing the efficacy of its long-acting basal insulin analogue Toujeo in treating patients in type I diabetes.
Napp secures distribution rights to Celltrion’s Herzuma
Napp Pharmaceuticals has secured itself exclusive UK distribution rights to Celltrion Healthcare’s Herceptin biosimilar Herzuma.
MPs call on government to help with Orkambi debate
MPs are calling on NHS England and Vertex to come to an agreement over the price of cystic fibrosis drug Orkambi.
