Arthritis
Care has welcomed today’s publication of NICE’s preliminary guidance on the use
of tocilizumab (RoActemra) for rheumatoid arthritis.
Federico Moscogiuri, head of policy
campaigns, said: ‘The appraisal consultation document published today
recommends making tocilizumab more easily available to people with rheumatoid
arthritis. This is the first time that a drug other than an anti-TNF has been
recommended for second-line treatment of this often debilitating disease.
Although it must be stressed that this guidance
is only preliminary, it represents a is a very encouraging development in terms
of improving treatment options for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis
Care will be preparing a full response to the consultation in due course, and
will continue calling for greater choice in treatment options for people with
all forms of arthritis.’
Should the NICE
recommendations become final guidance following consultation,
tocilizumab will become available for people with rheumatoid arthritis
following the use of
disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), without having to
try rituximab first.
Anyone with questions about
arthritis can call Arthritis Care’s helplines free on 0808 800 4050 or
email Helplines@arthritiscare.org.uk
Article source: http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/NewsRoom/Latestnewsstories/G5Pp
