NICE rebuffs Sanofi's Zaltrap

The U.K.'s NICE issued draft guidance recommending against the use of Zaltrap aflibercept from Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NYSE:SNY) in combination with FOLFIRI chemotherapy to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen -- its approved indication. The committee said Zaltrap is clinically effective but could not be considered a cost-effective use of NHS resources. Even with an undisclosed discount under a patient access scheme, NICE estimated the most plausible incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for Zaltrap would be at least L62,900-L66,500 ($98,866-$104,525) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Comments are due July 12. ...