25,000 people to benefit after NICE recommends new ulcerative colitis treatment

Thousands of people could be set to benefit after NICE today (Monday, 11 March) recommended a new one-a-day pill as an option for treating severe ulcerative colitis. 

NICE is publishing its final guidance on etrasimod on the same day that the MHRA is granting the treatment a licence. This follows an evaluation using an expedited technology appraisal process that will result in just over 25,000 eligible individuals receiving the new treatment. Pfizer, which makes the drug, is branding it under the name Velsipity.  

NICE recommends Etrasimod for people aged 16 and over with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have not responded adequately, have lost response or have not tolerated either conventional therapy or biological treatment.   

Background

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term disease affecting the colon and rectum and can cause recurring diarrhoea, arthritis, and osteoporosis.  

Clinical trial evidence shows that etrasimod is more effective than placebo for treating moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Indirect comparisons suggest that it is likely to work better than adalimumab and may be similarly effective to other usual treatments for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.  

“Severe ulcerative colitis is a debilitating lifelong condition; etrasimod provides a new convenient and effective treatment option that will make a positive difference for thousands of people.  

“I’m very pleased we have been able to publish our final guidance recommending the treatment on the day the MHRA granted it a licence. We are determined to continue getting the best care to patients fast.”

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE

It is estimated that around 300,000 people across the UK have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. The condition can develop at any age but is most often diagnosed in people between 15 and 25-years-old.   

Funding Arrangements and Guidance

The company has a confidential commercial arrangement in place which makes etrasimod available to the NHS with a discount.  

Read the full final guidance recommending etrasimod for treating moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis on the NICE website. This is a technology appraisal guidance on etrasimod, not a full guideline on the condition ulcerative colitis.

As per standard practice with all NICE guidance, it comes with a clause that places a responsibility on the clinician to take full responsibility for its application.

The information in this post has been adapted from the NICE and MHRA press releases. You can read more NICE updates relevant to primary care pharmacy professionals here.