Press Release

Celgene Limited, WINDSOR, Thursday April 23, 2009 Today, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued its final appraisal determination (FAD) recommending the use of Revlimid (lenalidomide) in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma in patients who have received two or more prior therapies.[i] NICE determined that Revlimid, as an innovative, life-extending therapy, is a cost-effective use of National Health Service (NHS) resources. In clinical trials time to progression doubled, extending survival significantly[ii] and signs and symptoms of myeloma receded in the majority of patients on Revlimid treatment.[iii]

Today’s positive recommendation comes after NICE took into account new appraisal criteria which recognise Revlimid as an end of life medicine. Furthermore the manufacturers, Celgene Limited, proposed a treatment continuation scheme whereby the NHS will cover the cost of Revlimid for the first 26 cycles of treatment, which typically last one month each, with further drug costs being met by the manufacturer.

“Multiple myeloma is still an incurable blood cancer, however, new therapies like Revlimid are offering significant extensions of survival for patients and moving the disease toward becoming a chronic, manageable condition,” said Gareth Morgan, Professor of Haematology, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. “The FAD issued by NICE is a major step toward providing a critical new option for patients in the U.K.”

Eric Low, Chief Executive of Myeloma UK commented “This is a great win for myeloma patients. I applaud the efforts of the myeloma community, the manufacturer, NICE and the Department of Health in working together to allow access to Revlimid to patients who need it. It is now critically important that Primary Care Trusts implement this guidance immediately and I urge them to do so.”
 

For more information:
http://www.celgene.com

Last updated on: 27/08/2010 11:40:18