certolizumab pegol (Cimzia)

following a resubmission:

certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland.

Indication under review:
- in combination with methotrexate for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when the response to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including methotrexate, has been inadequate.
- monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate.

In patients who continued to receive methotrexate despite an incomplete response, the addition of certolizumab pegol for 24 weeks produced a rapid and sustained reduction in the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, inhibited structural joint damage progression and improved physical function compared with placebo.

This SMC advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the cost-effectiveness of certolizumab pegol. This SMC advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland.