New hope for people with RA

Following extensive pressure from the arthritis community, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has decided to re-examine its decision on the sequential use of anti-TNFs for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

NICE, tasked by the Department of Health to assess whether treatments should be available on the NHS, had previously ruled that people with severe RA would not be able to try a second anti-TNF if the first one had not worked for them, known as sequential use.

Anti-TNF drugs are an advanced treatment used by people with many forms of arthritis, as well as other conditions. The different types of anti-TNF work in slightly different ways and each drug may work for some people but not others. Sequential use is therefore vital to ensure that people find the most effective treatment for them.

NICE began assessing whether anti-TNF treatments should be available on the NHS for people with severe RA in 2004. They finally ruled in favour of their use in October 2007. However, they later decided that sequential use of the drugs would not be recommended, dashing the hopes of people with RA.

The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA), the umbrella group for the musculoskeletal community of which Arthritis Care is a member, lodged an appeal demanding that NICE re-examine this decision.

Based on this NICE, has today announced they agree this needs to be looked at again and will make a new assessment of sequential use.

Rachel Haynes, director of public affairs at Arthritis Care, responded to this announcement by saying: “Arthritis Care is delighted that NICE have today acknowledged the need to re-visit this decision. We hope that this time, NICE weighs the balance of evidence in favour of people with RA”.

If you need support and information on this or any issue regarding your arthritis, please call our  free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 4050, open 10am-4pm weekdays.