After reviewing additional data submitted by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has reversed its previous decision and now recommends the use of abiraterone (Zytiga) for prostate cancer patients as a pre-chemotherapy treatment.
In 2014, NICE rejected the use of the drug at an early stage before chemo and after hormone deprivation therapy. The reasons for the rejection is related to the drug's cost, which NICE had said was too expensive.
Now, NICE will fund abiraterone as long as Janssen delivers some discounts — from £2,930 ($4,217), the price for 120 tablets will be reduced to £2,300 ($3,310). After 10 months of treatment, the drug will be offered at no cost.
"We're delighted to hear that NICE has approved abiraterone to be used before chemotherapy for men with prostate cancer that has spread and has come back after their first line hormone therapy," said Professor Malcolm Mason of Cancer Research UK.
Abiraterone has been found to delay the progression of prostate cancer, help prolong life, and provide a better life quality while reducing the pain and fatigue of patients. The drug has been available across the United Kingdom after chemotherapy since 2012.
Janssen provided data that revealed the drug's cost-effectiveness. The supplementary data showed that 14 percent of the patients in the United States who took abiraterone stayed on the drug for more than four years. The data and the discounts were enough to change the cost watchdog's decision.
Carole Longson, head of NICE's Center for Health Technology Evaluation, said she is glad that new evidence meant the institute will be able to recommend the drug.
"There are few treatments available for patients at this stage of prostate cancer so this is very good news," said Longson.
Abiraterone had only been available to patients in England before chemo via the Cancer Drugs Fund, and has been the second most requested drug on the fund.
NICE's approval means the drug will be removed from the fund and will be paid routinely by the National Health Service.
In the UK, about 5,900 people with prostate cancer are estimated to be eligible for treatment with abiraterone annually. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, and the most common cancer among men.
