Advice

following a full submission assessed under the orphan medicine process:

tocilizumab (RoActemra®) is accepted for restricted use within NHSScotland.

Indication under review: the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) in adult patients

SMC restriction: treatment with tocilizumab is subject to a 12 month clinical stopping rule.

A phase III study of patients with recently diagnosed or relapsed GCA reported superiority of tocilizumab plus 26-week glucocorticosteroid taper over placebo plus 26-week glucocorticosteroid taper for obtaining a sustained glucocorticosteroid-free remission of GCA at week 52.

This SMC advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the cost-effectiveness of tocilizumab. This advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of the PAS in NHSScotland or a list price that is equivalent or lower.

This advice takes account of views from a Patient and Clinician Engagement (PACE) meeting.

Medicine details

Medicine name:
tocilizumab (RoActemra)
SMC ID:
SMC2014
Indication:

For the treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) in adult patients.

Pharmaceutical company
Roche
BNF chapter
Musculoskeletal and joint diseases
Submission type
Full
Status
Restricted
Date advice published
10 September 2018