NICE FAD on Tocilizumab for the treatment of RA - BSR statement

2 July 2010

NICE has published guidelines on the use of Tocilizumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The guidance recommends the use of this drug in combination with methotrexate if a patient has failed to respond to one or more tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors and has responded inadequately to rituximab or for whom rituximab is contra indicated or withdrawn due to an adverse reaction. Patients who are currently on tocilizumab can continue to receive this treatment. In responding to the appraisal determination.

BSR members and appraisal consultees, Professor Peter Taylor and Dr Andrew Ostor, said:

“We welcome this FAD. Patients who fail to respond to an anti-TNF biologic, or to both an anti-TNF and to rituximab, now have a further treatment option for the management of this common, painful disease and thus more opportunities to maintain good health and prevent worsening disability.”

View Rheumatoid Arthritis - Tocilizumab: Final Appraisal Determination

For further details contact:

Debbie Smith, dsmith@rheumatology.org.uk or Rachel Evans, revans@rheumatology.org.uk