Novartis Drug Gets Props from NICE

The UK’s drug pricing watchdog has recommended reimbursement of Novartis’ innovative drug Cosentyx for ankylosing spondylitis, but only if it provides it at a discount.

Cosentyx is the first in a new class of drugs to treat the condition and was licensed for use in the UK in May, notes the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. It comes in pre-filled pen syringes that are patient usable.

The draft guidance recommends the drug for adults who have not responded to, or cannot use, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or TNF-alpha inhibitors.