Scottish cost regulators have endorsed the use of five new medicines by NHS Scotland, offering patients new options for lung cancer, depression, ankylosing spondylitis and epilepsy.
News
Eisai urges action on rare cancer drugs ‘black hole’
Patients with thyroid cancer could be waiting three years for access to Eisai’s Lenvima because the drug was left out of the re-launched Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) and NICE guidance is not to be published until 2018.
US approves Shire’s eye disease drug
Shire’s Xiidra has been approved by US regulators to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, giving patients access to the first prescription eye drop specifically approved for the condition.
FDA staffers back efficacy of Novartis’ Enbrel biosimilar
US Food and Drug Administration staffers have concluded that Sandoz’ biosimilar of Amgen’s blockbuster Enbrel, dubbed GP2015, is “highly similar” to its reference product, pushing the drug closer to approval.
‘Vanguards’ trial new care models to transform NHS
Redefining patient pathways and trialling new ways of working could have a significant impact on improving care, finds a report looking into the role of NHS Vanguards in the development of new commissioning structures.
Data backs broader use of Pfizer’s Sutent in kidney cancer
A Phase III study pitting adjuvant use of Pfizer’s Sutent against a placebo in patients with kidney cancer has met its primary endpoint of showing improved disease-free survival (DFS) in those taking the drug.
FDA expands use of Novartis/Genentech’s asthma drug
US regulators have approved an expanded age range for Novartis/Genentech’s Xolair, giving younger children with moderate to severe persistent asthma a new option to help control their disease.
AZ files suit against FDA to prevent Crestor generics
AstraZeneca has filed a lawsuit to prevent the US Food and Drug Administration from approving the sale of generic versions of its multi-billion-dollar cholesterol drug Crestor.
Thousands take part in diabetic retinopathy screening trial
More than 4,500 people from Liverpool with diabetes are taking part in a new a clinical trial designed to help transform early detection of diabetic eye disease.
NHS groups ready to roll out PAM
Thirty-seven NHS organisations have now secured free access to a new tool that should help people with long-term conditions better manage their own health and care needs.
GP patient survey shows rise in positivity over care
New data has shown a small spike in the number of people feeling positive about their GP care, according to findings of the 2015/16 patient survey.
Pfizer, Merck launch late-stage ovarian cancer trial
Pfizer and Germany’s Merck have kicked off a large-scale, late-stage study assessing their immunotherapy avelumab in ovarian cancer.
NHS England, PTC reach agreement on Duchenne drug
Children in England suffering from a rare form of muscular dystrophy will soon be able to access the only drug licensed for their condition after a ground-breaking agreement was reached between NHS England and PTC Therapeutics.
EU allows paediatric use of Shire’s Restive
European regulators have approved the use of Shire’s Restive in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS), a rare and potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal condition.
NICE backs Pfizer’s Bosulif for CML
NHS use of Pfizer’s Bosulif is being endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to treat some patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia, in a move which, if confirmed in final guidelines, could significantly widen access to the drug.
