NICE has published new guidelines endorsing NHS use of five medicines, widening treatment options for some patients with lung cancer, high cholesterol, melanoma and the skin condition hidradentitis.
News
FDA to review Mitsubishi’s ALS drug
US regulators have agreed to review Mitsubishi Tanabe’s application to market edaravone for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressive neurological disease.
EU regulators review Santhera’s Raxone for Duchenne
European regulators have validated Santhera’s marketing application for Raxone as a treatment for certain patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Alzheimer’s can cause diabetes, study finds
Researchers believe that medicines used to treat diabetes could also be used to combat Alzheimer’s disease and vice versa, after a new study showed that diabetes can actually start with changes in the brain.
Takeda kicks off world’s first norovirus vaccine field trial
In a world first, Takeda has initiated a clinical trial testing the potential of an experimental vaccine for norovirus, which is responsible for nearly three quarters of a billion illnesses and 219,000 deaths each year around the globe.
Study backs shorter, higher-dose radiotherapy for prostate cancer
A shorter radiotherapy regime for prostate cancer that uses stronger doses could save NHS millions of pounds and save patients from having to make as many trips to the hospital without compromising safety or efficacy.
Circassia’s cat allergy drug fails to hit trial targets
Shares in UK biotech Circassia have plummeted after its flagship experimental cat allergy drug failed to hit targets in a Phase III trial.
UK launch for LEO’s topical psoriasis foam
Adult patients with plaque psoriasis have gained a new treatment option in the UK following the launch of LEO Pharma’s Enstilar, the first fixed-combination, cutaneous foam spray for topical administration.
FDA to review Mitsubishi’s ALS drug
US regulators have agreed to review Mitsubishi Tanabe’s application to market edaravone for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressive neurological disease.
NHS England expands access to brain tumour treatment
Thousands more patients stand to benefit from an innovative treatment for brain tumours, after NHS England moved to increase access to specialist stereotactic radiosurgery and radiotherapy across the country.
Sandoz to launch five major biosimilars by 2020
Novartis unit Sandoz has unveiled plans to launch five biosimilars of major oncology and immunology biologics across key global markets by 2020, potentially broadening access to treatment.
NHS to offer patients free devices and apps
NHS England has announced plans for a new “explicit national reimbursement route” for med tech innovations, under which patients will get free access to devices and apps.
UK pharma contributes £1.3bn to NHS meds bill
The UK pharmaceutical industry has now contributed £1.3 billion to underwrite growth in the NHS medicines bill, but overall spend remains flat.
NICE rushes through BMS’ skin cancer combo
Cost regulators for the NHS in England and Wales are endorsing use of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s immunotherapy combo Opdivo/Yervoy to treat patients with advanced melanoma.
Vertex’ CF drug Orkambi turned down for NHS use
Patients with cystic fibrosis will not be getting access to Vertex’ Orkambi on the NHS in England Wales, after NICE stuck with its prior conclusion that the drug does not offer value for money.
