NICE now recommends Orencia for second-line RA

The U.K.'s NICE issued draft guidance recommending IV Orencia abatacept from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:BMY) in combination with methotrexate to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to two DMARDs. The recommendation is contingent on Bristol-Myers providing Orencia at an undisclosed discount under a patient access scheme. Comments are due Jan. 10, 2013.

The new guidance will reverse final guidance issued by NICE in August 2011 recommending against Orencia for the indication. At the time, the agency said that Orencia was not cost-effective when compared to subcutaneous RA drugs that NICE recommends for the indication. ...