BSR statement in support of the Lancet Report on NICE
BSR statement on the NICE Appeal Committee’s decision on the use of Abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
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The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) is disappointed by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Appeal Committee’s decision not to recommend Abatacept for the treatment of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
We believe there is good evidence from clinical trials to support the use of abatacept in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as an agent that effectively suppresses disease activity, increases function and improves health-related quality of life.
Dr Deborah Bax, BSR President said; "Although the management of rheumatoid arthritis has improved substantially over recent years, there are still patients whose disease is resistant to current drugs. Abatacept works in a completely different way from other biological agents, and can work where other drugs have failed. Clinicians need more treatment choices for patients with resistant and aggressive disease."
For further information contact:
Katy Lewis
klewis@rheumatology.org.uk
(020) 7842 0919