NICE releases negative MS appraisal

The U.K.'s National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) released a Provisional Appraisal Determination recommending that beta interferon and glatiramer not be used in the National Health Service for multiple sclerosis therapy. In the U.K., beta interferon is marketed by Biogen (BGEN), Serono (SRA; SWX:SEO) and Schering (SHR), and Copaxone glatiramer is marketed by Teva (TEVA). The determination has been circulated to NICE consultees for comment, and does not represent NICE guidance.

NICE's determination follows last year's provisional ruling, in which NICE said the modest clinical benefit of beta interferon appeared to be outweighed by the cost of treatment (see BioCentury, June 26, 2000). Later that year, NICE asked an appraisal committee to reconsider evidence that led to the provisional ruling (see BioCentury, Nov. 13, 2000). On Tuesday, BGEN was down $0.71 to $57.89; SRA was up $0.01 to $22.63; and SHR was off $0.15 to $52.40. ...