NICE updates Sprycel, Tasigna appraisal

The U.K.'s NICE issued an updated preliminary appraisal recommending against the use of Sprycel dasatinib from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:BMY) and Tasigna nilotinib from Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in patients intolerant to Glivec imatinib. The updated appraisal covers only one of two subgroups originally included in a November appraisal. The other subgroup -- patients who are resistant to Glivec -- will be incorporated into NICE's review of its current guidance for high-dose Glivec to treat CML (See BioCentury, Nov. 23, 2009). ...