Firmagon degarelix regulatory update

On Dec. 27, 2013, the U.K.'s NICE issued draft guidance recommending Firmagon degarelix from Ferring to treat advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer only in a subgroup of patients with spinal metastases who are at risk of impending spinal cord compression. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist is approved in the EU to treat advanced hormone-dependent prostate cancer. NICE said the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) for Firmagon compared to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists - which are used as first-line treatment for hormone-dependent prostate cancer - were £26,200-£103,200 ($42,876-$168,887), all outside the range normally considered cost-effective. However, the committee said Firmagon provided a benefit and was cost-effective for the subgroup of patients with spinal metastasis for which there are no available treatments. Comments are due Jan. 17, with a second appraisal committee meeting scheduled for Feb. 11. ...