NICE (Single) Technology Appraisal Guidance No 134 Infliximab for the treatment of adults with psoriasis - the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) published advice on this medication for this indication in May 2007:
Infliximab (RemicadeŽ) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis in adults who failed to respond to, or who have a contraindication to, or are intolerant of other systemic therapy including ciclosporin, methotrexate or psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA).
Infliximab, compared to placebo, improves both signs and symptoms of psoriasis and quality of life in adults with plaque psoriasis. The economic case was demonstrated when used for patients with severe psoriasis who achieve a PASI 75 response or a 50% reduction in PASI and a 5 point reduction in DLQI from baseline at 10 weeks. It is one of several biologic interventions for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, some of which have lower drug acquisition costs.
Access the advice of the Scottish Medicines Consortium:
http://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/smc/5184.html
In this case, there is no material difference between the NICE STA and the SMC recommendation.
NHSScotland should note that:
1. NHS Boards should continue to adhere to the SMC advice.
2. The new NICE single technology appraisal process is being monitored by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, Scottish Government Health Directorates and SMC for a period of time. During this period recommendations of NICE STAs will be only for noting by NHS Scotland in the knowledge that SMC have already issued advice on the medicine which NHSScotland should follow.
3. Hard copies of NICE appraisals are available from NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (contact Shonagh Buchanan, tel 0141 225 6993 or email shonagh.buchanan@nhs.net).