NICE now recommends Novartis' Xolair in subgroup

The U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal determination (FAD) recommending the use of Xolair omalizumab from Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) as an add-on to optimized standard therapy for a subgroup of patients ages six years or older with severe, persistent allergic asthma. Xolair is recommended for asthma patients who need continuous or frequent treatment with oral corticosteroids, defined as four or more courses in a year. The recommendation, which is contingent on Novartis providing the drug at an undisclosed discount under a patient access scheme, reverses the committee's previous recommendations against the use of Xolair in all asthma patients -- NICE recommended against the use of Xolair in adults in November and against the use of Xolair in children ages six and older in August 2010 (see BioCentury Extra, Nov. 8, 2012).

According to NICE, the most plausible incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for Xolair in the subgroup with the undisclosed discount would be L23,200 ($34,897) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. The committee added that Xolair's "unquantifiable" quality of life benefit of "reducing dependence on oral corticosteroids" justifies the ICER. Final guidance is expected in April. ...