NICE backs thalidomide, Velcade for MM
The U.K.'s NICE issued a final appraisal determination (FAD) covering the use of thalidomide from Celgene Corp. (NASDAQ:CELG) and Velcade bortezomib from Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) for multiple myeloma (MM). The agency recommended thalidomide for first-line treatment of MM in combination with an alkylating agent and a corticosteroid in patients for whom high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation is considered inappropriate. Velcade in combination with an alkylating agent and a corticosteroid is recommended for the same indication when the patient is unable to tolerate or has contraindications to thalidomide or high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation is considered inappropriate. The FAD is in line with a June preliminary appraisal. ...