Tocilizumab

[Niblick]

I am advised that a biosimilar to tocilizumab has been approved in the UK and will be available at a more economical price , enabling NICE to allow NHS prescriptions for GCA after the initial 12 months. My GP and Consultant keen to get me off Pred altogether ( currently on second attempt in 3 years) as it causes high blood sugar levels for me

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I guess you mean Tyenne -

sps.nhs.uk/articles/the-lic...

But, for other patients as well as yourself, it would be good to have proof of NICE approval and price - a quick glance indicates a slightly lower tariff. Any chance of getting written proof?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Think it is Medicines Agency approval it has - which is a far cry from NICE saying it can be used more freely.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

lol

Guessed something like that, but wasn’t sure exactly.. Couldn’t find anything useful on NICE🙄..

..and looks like approx 10% saving..

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

Hardly here nor there is it!! Though it is a start, Humira was about that price originally and Christian said it was down to about 800 euros a year by the year before last.