Alimta pemetrexed regulatory update

The U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal determination recommending the use of Alimta pemetrexed from Eli Lilly for the maintenance treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) other than predominantly squamous cell histology. The FAD reverses a December preliminary appraisal that recommended against the use of Alimta. Using a revised cost-effectiveness analysis from Lilly, NICE said the most plausible incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for Alimta would be £47,000 ($70,425) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. The committee said the revised ICER would be acceptable taking into account the end-of-life criteria. In its preliminary appraisal, NICE estimated the ICER for Alimta would be greater than £51,000 ($82,737) per QALY gained. ...