NICE Issues Ruling on Bladder Cancer Drug Keytruda

MSD’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a second-line bladder cancer drug. It has been shown to improve survival. However, it has not been demonstrated to be effective in progression-free survival. NICE has determined that Keytruda should not be eligible for NHS funding. An alternative drug (Tecentriq) was previously reviewed and recommended by NICE. MSD is unhappy with the news.

According to David Peacock of MSD, “It is frustrating and sad any time patients are unable to gain access to innovative and clinically effective treatments, especially when those treatments are available to patients in other developed healthcare systems.” He adds, “Following our successful appeal of the original decision, MSD were able to bring fresh data analyses and make a further offer on the patient access scheme to address the committee’s concerns. We feel strongly that the appeal was the right decision and that patient access to this medicine should have been maintained.” Read more here.

(Source: Richard Staines, PharmaPhorum, 3/18/21)