NICE does not recommend Darzalex plus chemo for second line use in multiple myeloma.- Janssen Biotech.

The UK NICE has issued draft guidance not recommending Darzalex (daratumumab), from Janssen Biotech, for second line use in multiple myeloma in combination with existing treatments. In early 2018, NICE recommended Darzalex for use as a monotherapy in relapsed and refractory myeloma in patients who have had three previous treatments, via the Cancer Drugs Fund. However now NICE has rejected the the use of Darzalex plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (DBd) in patients who have progressed after initial therapy.

While NICE admits the DBd combination can improve overall survival and reduce the risk of death by 50%, as well as improving progression-free survival by a median of 18 months, the agency argues that the data is not sufficient to prove the overall cost-effectiveness of the treatment.