NICE backs Lemtrada for RRMS
The U.K.'s NICE issued a Lemtrada alemtuzumab from the Genzyme Corp. unit of Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NYSE:SNY) to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In December, NICE had said it was "minded not to recommend" Lemtrada and requested "further clarification and analyses." In its final draft guidance, NICE said the plausible incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for Lemtrada compared with Copaxone glatiramer acetate from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA) for active RRMS is likely between L13,600-L24,500 ($22,624-$40,756) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).
In patients with highly active RRMS despite beta interferon, NICE said the most plausible ICER for Lemtrada compared with Gilenya fingolimod from Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) was L8,900 ($14,805). The committee also said Lemtrada was less expensive and more effective than Tysabri natalizumab from Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) in rapidly evolving, severe RRMS patients. Final guidance is expected in May. ...