Multiple myeloma patients to get NHS access to Amgen’s Kyprolis

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is backing routine NHS use of Amgen’s Kyprolis as an option for treating patients with multiple myeloma at first relapse.

In a Final Appraisal Determination, the Institute has recommended the drug in combination with dexamethasone for adults with relapsed multiple myeloma (RMM) who have received one prior therapy that does not include bortezomib (Janssen's Velcade).

Kyprolis (carfilzomib) is an intravenously-administered irreversible proteasome inhibitor that binds to the N-terminal threonine site, causing degradation of the proteins in the cell.

Data from the ENDEAVOR study showed that patients treated with Kyprolis/dexamethasone achieved 50 percent greater progression-free survival of 18.7 months compared to 9.4 months in those receiving Janssen's Velcade (bortezomib)/dexamethasone.

"It is great news that carfilzomib, in combination with dexamethasone, has been approved by NICE. The decision means that myeloma patients who have not previously received bortezomib will have the option of accessing a new and effective proteasome inhibitor at first relapse," said Kate Morgan, policy and public Affairs Manager, Myeloma UK.

"As carfilzomib and dexamethasone has been shown to be effective in prolonging survival in relapsed myeloma patients, with limited negative impact on quality of life, it is very important for patients to have access to it on the NHS."

"We have worked collaboratively with NICE to identify and submit an optimal submission package for carfilzomib and we are very pleased with the outcome today," said Tony Patrikios, executive medical director at Amgen UK and Ireland.

"With proven evidence to prolong progression-free survival, we see carfilzomib as backbone therapy for the management of relapsed multiple myeloma. We know that time free of disease is precious and are committed to advancing care for people with this difficult-to-treat blood cancer."

In the UK, it is estimated that there are around 17,500 people living with myeloma and it accounts for around two percent of all cancers. With around 5,500 new cases diagnosed each year, the UK incidence rate is ninth highest in Europe for males and eight highest for females.