Pharma & Life Sciences

Chikungunya Vaccine (IXCHIQ) Use Restrictions Updated

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated restrictions for the IXCHIQ Chikungunya vaccine following a safety review. The vaccine is no longer indicated for individuals over 60 and is contraindicated for those with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.

Isotretinoin Prescribing Guidance Updated

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated prescribing guidance for isotretinoin, removing the requirement for a second prescriber for patients under 18. New risk minimisation measures, including an updated Acknowledgement of Risk Form, have been introduced to ensure safe prescribing.

GLP-1/GIP Agonists: Strengthened Pancreatitis Warnings

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has updated product information for GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists to strengthen warnings about the risk of severe acute pancreatitis, including necrotising and fatal cases. Healthcare professionals are advised to be vigilant and report suspected adverse reactions.

NICE Guidance: Olipudase alfa for Niemann-Pick disease types AB and B

NICE has published highly specialised technologies guidance (HST32) on the use of olipudase alfa (Xenpozyme) for treating Niemann-Pick disease types AB and B. The guidance provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals and commissioners in the UK.

NICE Guidance: Pegzilarginase for Arginase-1 Deficiency

NICE has published guidance recommending pegzilarginase (Loargys) for treating arginase-1 deficiency in individuals aged 2 years and over. The guidance includes evidence-based recommendations and details a commercial access agreement for the treatment.

NICE Guidance: Leniolisib for PI3K delta syndrome

NICE has published highly specialised technologies guidance on the use of leniolisib (Joenja) for treating activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome in individuals aged 12 and over. The guidance includes evidence-based recommendations and information on commercial arrangements for NHS organisations.

NICE Guidance: Setmelanotide for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome

The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published highly specialised technologies guidance on setmelanotide (Imcivree) for treating obesity and hyperphagia in Bardet-Biedl syndrome. The guidance provides evidence-based recommendations for patients aged 6 years and over, with specific criteria for treatment initiation.

Cerliponase alfa for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis Type 2 Guidance

NICE has published updated highly specialised technologies guidance (HST34) on cerliponase alfa (Brineura) for treating neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 in children. This guidance replaces previous guidance and confirms that patients already receiving treatment can continue.

Baloxavir marboxil appraisal terminated for children

NICE has terminated the appraisal of baloxavir marboxil for treating and preventing influenza in children aged 1 to 11 years. The decision was made because the company failed to provide an evidence submission for the technology appraisal.

Canagliflozin Appraisal Terminated for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

NICE has terminated the appraisal of canagliflozin (Invokana) for treating type 2 diabetes in individuals aged 10 to 17 years. The appraisal was terminated because the company failed to provide an evidence submission. NICE will review this decision if a submission is made.