Key Summary
- NICE approves affordable generic abiraterone for high-risk prostate cancer treatment
- The move could benefit up to 4,000 patients and save the NHS millions annually
- The decision supports NHS innovation and aligns with the government’s 10-year healthcare plan
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approves abiraterone and its generic versions to treat high-risk metastatic prostate cancer.
NICE had previously rejected abiraterone in 2021 due to its high cost.
Its lower-priced generic versions have now made it affordable for NHS use.
Generic abiraterone is already utilised in some areas, with uneven access.
However, the NICE approval will improve the access, allowing up to 4,000 more people to benefit from the treatment.
As per the new draft, the drug can be combined with androgen deprivation therapy and, prednisolone or prednisone for treating adults.
Along with benefitting prostate cancer patients, this addition will help NHS save millions annually.
Generic abiraterone can easily replace enzalutamide and apalutamide, other drugs used for the treatment.
The replacement allows NHS to invest the savings in breakthrough treatments and care improvements.
The review also trialled a new approach that updates guidance on evolving evidence, prices, and clinical practice, helping keep NHS care current, effective, and aligned with the Government’s 10-Year Plan.
Popular pharmaceutical manufacturing company, Medicines UK has also come in support of NICE’s approval of the drug.
They appreciated NICE for making metastatic prostate cancer treatment easily accessible to the public.
“We welcome NICE's recommendation for generic abiraterone and the innovative approach taken to this evaluation,” commented Mark Samuels, chief executive of Medicines UK.
"NICE’s approach shows a commitment to helping make the UK an attractive and supportive environment for generic medicines.”
He said, “By continuously reviewing guidance and streamlining assessment processes, NICE is helping to unlock the full potential of off-patent medicines to deliver better value and wider, earlier access for patients.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said, “By seizing the opportunity of generic medicines that deliver better value, we're making sure thousands of men with prostate cancer can now access this vital treatment - delivering better care while also driving the smarter spending our NHS desperately needs.”
“This is what an NHS fit for the future looks like - making every penny count so we can reinvest savings into the cutting-edge treatments of tomorrow,” she added.
NICE expects to publish final guidance on abiraterone next month.
NHS England and the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are ready to fund the implementation of the guidance a month after its publication.
