Rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (Thymoglobuline)

Following a full submission

rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin, 25mg powder for solution for infusion (Thymoglobuline) is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland for prevention of graft rejection in renal transplantation.

Compared with an alternative agent for induction of immunosuppression it was associated with a lower rate of acute rejection but this did not translate into improved patient or graft survival within the 12-month study period. The manufacturer has not presented a sufficiently robust economic analysis to gain acceptance by SMC.

Rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin is also licensed for the treatment of steroid resistant graft rejection in renal transplantation and for the prevention of graft rejection in heart transplantation. The manufacturer’s submission related only to the prevention of graft rejection in renal transplantation.

SMC cannot recommend the use of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin for these additional indications.