IQWiG backs Bayer's Xofigo
Germany's Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (IQWiG) said in a preliminary benefit assessment that Xofigo radium-223 dichloride from Bayer AG (Xetra:BAYN) has "major" additional benefit vs. best supportive care (BSC) in some patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with symptomatic bone metastases and no known visceral metastases. The European Commission approved the drug for the indication in November.
IQWiG said Xofigo has a major additional benefit in patients younger than 65 years of age or those aged 65 and older who receive concurrent bisphosphonate therapy, with a "marginal" additional benefit in patients aged 65 or older who do not receive concurrent bisphosphonate therapy. The institute said Xofigo had "no additional benefit" vs. a docetaxel because Bayer did not submit evaluable data. ...