UK NICE recommends use of Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) in combination with methotrexate, for active rheumatoid arthritis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs- UCB
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), from UCB, in combination with methotrexate, is recommended by the UK NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as an option for treating active rheumatoid arthritis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including at least 1 tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitor, only if disease activity is severe and rituximab is contraindicated or not tolerated and the company provides certolizumab pegol with the agreed patient access scheme.
In addition, Cimzia as monotherapy is recommended as an option for treating active rheumatoid arthritis in adults whose disease has responded inadequately to, or who cannot tolerate, other DMARDs including at least one TNFα inhibitor, only if disease activity is severe and rituximab therapy cannot be given because methotrexate is contraindicated or not tolerated and the company provides certolizumab pegol with the agreed patient access scheme.
Treatment should be continued only if there is at least a moderate response measured using European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria at 6 months. After an initial response within 6 months, withdraw treatment if at least a moderate EULAR response is not maintained.
Learning Zones
The Learning Zones are an educational resource for healthcare professionals that provide medical information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and burden of disease, as well as diagnostic techniques and treatment regimens.
1 mins