NICE approves AstraZeneca’s COPD drug

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance recommending roflumilast (Daxas, AstraZeneca) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In 2012, NICE issued guidance that recommended roflumilast only if patients were taking it as part of a research study. New evidence since that guidance was published led to a positive recommendation for routine use.

The company estimates that around 122,000 adults in England would be eligible for treatment with roflumilast. 

Additional approval

NICE has also published draft guidance recommended collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH, Xiapex, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB) for some people with Dupuytren’s contracture. The decision changes the previous final draft guidance not to recommend the treatment except in the context of research. The positive recommendation follows a reduction in the price of CCH which, for a very specific group of adults with moderate Dupuytren’s contracture, makes CCH cost-effective compared with surgery (limited fasciectomy and percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF).