Tocilizumab for treating giant cell arteritis

Tocilizumab (RoActemra, Roche) has a marketing authorisation for 'the treatment of adults with giant cell arteritis'.

Subcutaneous injection (162 mg) once every week in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids. Tocilizumab can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids, but monotherapy should not be used for the treatment of acute relapses. Treatment beyond 52 weeks should be guided by disease activity, physician discretion and patient choice.

£913.12 for 4 syringes containing 162 mg tocilizumab (excluding VAT). The company of branded tocilizumab (RoActemra, Roche Products) has a commercial arrangement. This makes tocilizumab available to the NHS with a discount. The size of the discount is commercial in confidence. NHS England has completed a national procurement for tocilizumab, which includes the biosimilar versions of tocilizumab. Prices paid for the originator or biosimilar tocilizumab should be in line with the national procurement outcome and should be no higher than that provided through the original commercial arrangement.