NICE approves Cancer Drug funding for Janssen’s Darzalex for Multiple Myeloma
NICE has supported NHS use of Janssen’s Darzalex via the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF) for some adults with previously treated multiple myeloma.
Darzalex is a humanised monoclonal antibody that works by binding to a signalling molecule found on the surface of multiple myeloma cells called CD38, with the aim to trigger the patient’s own immune system to attack and kill the cancer cells.
NICE’s appraisal committee ruled that the drug cannot be recommended for routine use within its marketing authorisation for treating relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in adults, due to uncertainties in the clinical data available meaning that cost effectiveness estimates are unreliable.
It did, however, feel that additional data collected through the CDF would provide more robust evidence on the clinical effectiveness of Darzalex compared with current treatment options.
As a result, interim funding through the CDF has been approved by NICE, to treat relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma in adults whose disease has progressed despite three prior treatments, including proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulator. This will allow for the collection of additional data until November 2020, after which guidance will be reviewed.
According to NICE approximately 705 patients a year will be eligible for treatment with the drug in this setting.
Source: PharmaTimes