BSR statement on NICE decision on use of Certolizumab pegol for rheumatoid arthritis

21 January 2010

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

Dr Chris Deighton, Chair of the BSR Clinical Affairs Committee said; “We are very pleased that NICE has given positive guidance on the use of certolizumab pegol for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This offers patients and clinicians more 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 NICE will respond as positively.”

ENDS

For further details contact Debbie Smith
dsmith@rheumatology.org.uk