Ixazomib recommended for NHS use for multiple myeloma

Ixazomib has been recommended for NHS distribution, to be used in combination with two other standard medications for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients who have received two or three prior lines of therapy.

The announcement comes after Phase III trials conducted by Takeda (High Wycombe, UK) demonstrated an improved progression-free survival rate of approximately 9 months with the oral IRd combination (ixazomib with lenalidomide and dexamethasone) , compared to standard therapeutics, lenalidomide and dexamethasone.

Ixazomib is currently the only oral-protease inhibitor permitted for use in Europe and the triplet IRd combination is the first of its kind to be made available through the Cancer Drug Fund .

The novel treatment strategy is set to potentially benefit approximately 1700 myeloma patients in England, following growing support from the patient community in response to IRd as a solution to a crucial unmet medical need.

Dion Warren, Vice President, Head of Oncology Business Unit, Europe & Canada at Takeda explained the significance of the breakthrough: “The NICE decision to include ixazomib in the Cancer Drug Fund is a real win for the myeloma community. This is a success story of how Takeda has worked together with NICE, NHS England, patient groups and physicians to ensure myeloma patients in England can gain access to this important treatment.”

More recently, ixazomib has been recommended by NICE, for use within the Cancer Drugs Fund.

Sources:
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ta10043/documents;www.firstwordpharma.com/node/1541838