NICE recommends Lemtrada for Multiple Sclerosis treatment - Genzyme/Sanofi + Bayer Health Care

Genzyme announced that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued final guidance recommending that Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) from Genzyme/Sanofi be reimbursed on the NHS, for treatment of adult patients with relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) with active disease defined by clinical or imaging features. A Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) issued earlier this year concluded Lemtrada is a cost-effective use of NHS resources for MS treatment, and formed the basis of the final guidance for reimbursement.

Currently-available treatments for relapsing-remitting MS are either pills or injections given several times a week, but Lemtrada is taken intravenously once a year for two years (the first course being administered for five consecutive days and the second for three days). This procedure offers a more convenient dosing option to patients.