NICE approve tebentafusp
In October 2023, Melanoma Focus along with Immunocore and Ocular Melanoma UK appealed against the negative NICE Final Draft Guidance on tebentafusp for treating advanced (unresectable or metastatic) uveal melanoma [ID1441]. The appeal was upheld and the appraisal committee reassessed this treatment.
Today we are thrilled to hear that NICE have approved tebentafusp for treating HLA-A*02:01-positive unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma in adults in England.
Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus welcomed the news:
“Today is a landmark day for the uveal melanoma community, with NICE’s recommendation of the first treatment to prolong survival in HLA-A*02:01-positive adults with metastatic or unresectable uveal melanoma. Uveal melanoma is a very rare form of melanoma which requires different clinical management. The option to prescribe tebentafusp is a step change for patients and their families, and we continue to support the process so that there is reimbursement for the treatment across the UK for all eligible patients.”
Professor Paul Nathan, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and lead author on the New England Journal of Medicine paper that reported on the trial which led to the license of tebentafusp:
“I am delighted for our patients and their families that NICE have now recommended approval for tebentafusp as a treatment option for HLA A2.01 positive metastatic uveal melanoma. Access to the first drug that improves survival for this rare and threatening disease marks a major step forward. There remains much work to be done to build upon this advance so that we can further improve outcomes for all of our patients.”
For more information on the NICE final guidance in England, click here.