BSR statement on NICE decision on the use of Rituximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) welcomes the guidance from National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the use of Rituximab for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis, for whom previous treatments have been inadequate.

Dr Andrew Bamji, BSR President said; “We are very pleased that NICE has given positive guidance on the use of rituximab for patients with severe active rheumatoid arthritis. This offers patient with the severest forms of disease the opportunity to get this new treatment and the benefits that it may bring. We hope that as other new medicines become available in the coming months that NICE will also respond as positively.”

He added “It is also important that we keep our eye on research that is ongoing; evidence is mounting that early aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis produces better results, and we should not be placed in a position where our patients are denied the most appropriate treatment.”

For further information contact:
Katy Lewis
klewis@rheumatology.org.uk
(020) 7842 0919