Xalkori crizotinib regulatory update

The U.K.'s NICE issued a preliminary appraisal recommending against the use of Xalkori crizotinib from Pfizer to treat previously treated, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The committee estimated that the most plausible incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained would be £63,800-£181,100 ($97,180-$275,851) for Xalkori compared with docetaxel and £51,700-£80,500 ($78,749-$122,618) for Xalkori compared with best supportive care. The committee said Xalkori was an effective treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC, but said the drug could not be considered a cost-effective use of NHS resources. Comments are due April 18, with a second appraisal committee meeting scheduled for April 30. ...