NICE recommends abiraterone for prostate cancer after manufacturer reduces price

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has amended draft guidance on the drug abiraterone (marketed in the United Kingdom as Zytiga) for men with advanced prostate cancer after the manufacturer agreed a reduced price deal for the NHS.

Abiraterone, which is made by Janssen, was initially rejected by NICE for use in England and Wales in draft guidance launched in February because it was too expensive.1 But after negotiations with Janssen the guidance has been reissued, although the discount offered to the NHS on the drug—which costs £2930 (€3650; $4640) for a month’s supply—has been kept confidential for commercial reasons. …