NICE recommends Xolair (omalizumab) as a treatment for Urticaria-Novartis

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has now given a positive final appraisal for Xolair (omalizumab), from Novartis, as an add on monthly injection for severe, spontaneous, urticaria (hives) for patients who are twelve years old and above and who have not responded to standard treatment with H1 antihistamines and leukotriene receptor antagonists.The recommendation was given after Novartis offered a patient access scheme and discount on price which is £3,073 for 24 weeks course.