NICE Retracts Rejection of BMS’ Kidney Cancer Drug Opdivo

In a reversal from an earlier draft appraisal, the UK’s cost watchdog has recommended reimbursement for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s kidney cancer drug Opdivo, provided the company lowers the price.

In its new submission, BMS adjusted the drug’s cost analysis and proposed a new patient discount. Additionally, the company provided further evidence to support the longer-term benefits of Opdivo from Phase I and Phase II trials.

The treatment originally cost roughly $570 for a 40-mg vial and around $1,430 for a 100-mg vial. The new discount price was not disclosed in the final appraisal.

In June, NICE also recommended reimbursement for Opdivo in combination with Yervoy for the treatment of advanced melanoma, deeming the combination a more cost-effective therapy than its clinically relevant comparative drug, Merck’s Keytruda.