NICE Single Technology Appraisal Guidance No 238 –
Tocilizumab for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic
arthritis
This NICE guidance was
published on 14th December 2011. The web reference for
the appraisal and other related documents is: www.nice.org.uk/TA238
NHSScotland should note
that:
1. Recommendations of NICE Single Technology
Appraisals (STAs) have no status in NHSScotland.
2. NHS boards should adhere to the Scottish
Medicines Consortium (SMC) advice. SMC published a Statement of
Advice (754/12) on this medication for this indication in Febrary
2012. This stated that:
tocilizumab (RoActemra®) is accepted for
use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of active systemic
juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in patients 2 years of age and
older, who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and systemic
corticosteroids. Tocilizumab can be given as monotherapy (in case
of intolerance to methotrexate or where treatment with methotrexate
is inappropriate) or in combination with methotrexate.
Tocilizumab was superior to placebo in
reducing disease activity and fever in patients with persistent
active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis despite treatment
with NSAIDs and corticosteroids.
This SMC advice takes account of the benefits
of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the
cost-effectiveness of tocilizumab. This SMC advice is contingent
upon the continuing availability of the Patient Access Scheme in
NHS Scotland.
Access the advice of SMC:
3. There is no material difference between the
recommendations of the NICE STA and SMC. The NICE STA advice is
based upon the application of a Department of Health agreed Patient
Access Scheme.
Published Date: 14 December 2011
