Key Summary
- First-ever NICE recommended treatment for myasthenia gravis in adults.
- At-home injection that helps patients to avoid frequet hospital visits, steroid treatments, etc.
- Acts as a safer and more convenient options that imporves the patients' quality of life.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends Rozanolixizumab, also known as Rystiggo, manufactured by UCB Pharma for generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults.
Nearly, 800 people in the UK suffer from this rare autoimmune condition with no cure.
It leads to weakness in muscles and extreme fatigue along with difficulty in breathing, speech, swallowing, eyesight and movements.
Unpredictable flaring up, which requires repeated hospital visits is a common symptom.
“Generalised myasthenia gravis can severely limit people’s independence and place a heavy burden on patients, families and carers,” said Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE.
NICE recommends the drug for patients who had tested positive for antibodies like AChR or MuSK, or who still have poorly controlled symptoms after trying other treatments including steroids, making it the first NICE recommended medication for the condition.
The usual treatments for gMG spans from intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasma exchange (PLEX).
However, rystiggo given as short course of under the skin injections at home, reduces the intensity of the symptoms and makes the completion of day-to-day activities easier for the patients without needing frequent hospital visits or admissions unlike them.
It also helps them avoid continuous dependence on steroids and their side-effects.
Along with patients, the new recommendation eases pressure on carers as well.
The final draft recommendation follows agreement on an improved commercial deal between NHS England and the company.
The final guidance will be published within a month.
