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The NHS will not pay for the use of GlaxoSmithKline’s Revolade to treat patients with thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, according to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).
Evidence that Revolade can effectively treat the rare blood condition over a long period is unclear, and its cost is far greater than its benefits, draft guidance from NICE states.
But the institute says it has yet to decide on its final guidance, expected in October, saying draft recommendation may change following appeal.
In April, sale of Revolade in the European Union to treat patients whose immune systems destroy platelets in the blood that aid clotting, was approved by the European Medicines Agency. However, NICE believes the drug’s long-term effectiveness is unclear.
GlaxoSmithKline said it is disappointed with NICE’s decision and is considering how best to respond.
Scotland has its own system of assessing the cost-effectiveness of medicines and has already said patients in Scotland with ITP will be able to receive Revolade.
Copyright Press Association 2010
NICE
