NICE rebuffs Xalkori

The U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal determination (FAD) recommending against the use of Xalkori crizotinib from Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to treat previously treated, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) -- its approved indication. Even with an undisclosed discount under a patient access scheme, NICE said the most plausible incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained would be more than L100,000 ($155,080) for Xalkori compared with docetaxel and more than L50,200 ($77,850) for Xalkori compared with best supportive care. The committee said Xalkori "could be considered" a life-extending treatment compared with chemotherapy but still could not be considered a cost-effective use of NHS resources. The decision is in line with March draft guidance. Final guidance is expected in September (see BioCentury Extra, March 26). ...