NICE Recommends Joenja for APDS

The NICE recommendation is based on the totality of the data, including the Phase III clinical trial evaluating leniolisib, an oral selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, in patients with APDS, a rare and progressive primary immunodeficiency. In the primary analysis, treatment with leniolisib led to significant improvements in immune deficiency and immune dysregulation compared to placebo. The Phase III trial demonstrated an improvement in clinical outcomes, which was maintained during longer-term treatment within the open-label extension trial.

The final NICE recommendation aligns with the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) approval and falls under NICE’s Highly Specialised Technologies (HST) pathway, which evaluates treatments for very rare and severe diseases. Leniolisib is now available for use and funded in England through the Innovative Medicines Fund, ensuring immediate patient access. In Wales, leniolisib is expected to be funded within the next three months through the NHS in specialist centers.

Fabrice Chouraqui, Chief Executive Officer of Pharming, said: “This positive recommendation for Joenja from NICE is a significant milestone for patients living with APDS in England and Wales. It underscores Pharming’s commitment to work closely with regulatory and reimbursement authorities, the medical immunology community, and patient associations to bring this first targeted treatment to patients who may benefit.”

Prof.  Sinisa Savic, Professor of Clinical Immunology at St James’s University Hospital, said: “Data from clinical trials demonstrate that leniolisib provides real benefits for patients with APDS, a rare primary immunodeficiency. APDS is a complex and progressive condition that leads to immune dysregulation and recurrent infections, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The recommendation by NICE, which allows this targeted therapy to be prescribed on the NHS, marks an important step forward in improving treatment options for individuals with this condition.”

Dr Susan Walsh, Chief Executive Officer at Immunodeficiency UK, said: “This is a hugely welcomed decision that will make a massive difference to the lives of people with APDS, and their families, by potentially allowing them to have a better quality of life. With leniolisib, we now have a targeted treatment available that addresses the fundamental cause of the immune system problems experienced in APDS. This is a huge leap forward. We are grateful to Pharming for working with NICE to make this drug available via the NHS. Together, they have shown a real commitment to providing people affected by ultra-rare, immune system conditions the treatments they need.”