Review of NICE Technology Appraisal; Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, rituximab, abatacept (review of TA195), golimumab (part review of TA225) and tocilizumab (part review of TA247) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after failure of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs including a TNF-inhibitor

The Institute was proposing that the guidance should be transferred to the ‘static guidance list’ for NICE to proactively monitor future developments.

During consultation, many of comments received by the Institute agreed with the proposal put forward. There were some comments that disagreed with the proposal, but none of the evidence put forward suggested that an update of the guidance is required at this time.

After consideration of all of the comments (attached as appendix A), the Institute’s Guidance Executive has decided to proceed with the proposal.

Consequently, the recommendations from TA195, TA225 and TA247 relating to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after the failure of a DMARD including a TNF-inhibitor will be moved to the static list where the Institute will proactively monitor future developments. Topics on the static list can be considered for review if any new evidence becomes available that is likely to lead to a change in the existing recommendations.

September 2013