Celgene: NICE OKs Oral OTEZLA For Chronic Plaque Psoriasis In England, Wales

(RTTNews) - Celgene Corp. (CELG) announced Thursday that oral OTEZLA(apremilast) received positive final appraisal determination from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence or NICE for use in adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis in England and Wales.

The decision is the conclusion of a NICE Rapid Review and ensures patients in England and Wales will join those in Scotland, who have been benefitting from access to OTEZLA since it was recommended by the Scottish Medicines Consortium or SMC in June 2015.

OTEZLA, a tablet, has a novel mechanism of action offering a treatment option that does not require pre-screening for tuberculosis or regular laboratory monitoring.

Chris Griffiths said, "Apremilast offers patients a much needed new oral treatment option that does not require routine laboratory monitoring. Clinical trials of apremilast demonstrated a reduction in severity of psoriasis and associated itching as well as improvement in hard to treat areas, such as the nails and scalp.The drug has the potential to fill an important gap in the psoriasis treatment pathway and its introduction is welcomed by patients and healthcare practitioners."

Celgene noted that the company has been working with NICE over the past year to ensure patients in England and Wales can benefit from OTEZLA.

In clinical trials, treatment with OTEZLA for psoriasis showed a reduction in psoriatic skin plaques and other signs and symptoms of the disease including itch, skin pain and discomfort.

OTEZLA is currently undergoing NICE Rapid Review for active psoriatic arthritis. A positive Appraisal Consultation Document recommending OTEZLA for use in the NHS was issued by NICE on 11th October 2016.12 A decision is expected later this year.