Roche Comment On NICE Anti-TNF Inhibitor Sequencing FAD

Following the widespread media coverage regarding the NICE FAD on the sequencing
of anti-TNF inhibitors, Roche want to reassure patients with rheumatoid arthritis and
rheumatology health professionals that they will continue to benefit from access to
effective treatment with MabThera (rituximab), following the use of one anti-TNF, for this
debilitating disease.



MabThera has proven to be clinically effective for patients who cannot tolerate or do not
respond to an anti-TNF inhibitor and as per NICE's recommendations, provides such
patients with a vital and cost effective treatment option.



The money that will be released by not cycling to a second anti-TNF would be available
to be used to give new hope to thousands of patients, suffering from rheumatoid arthritis,
who currently don't have access to any biologic treatment, including MabThera, on the
NHS.



It is the fundamental belief of Roche that every eligible patient should benefit from the
best available treatment for their disease and wholly support patient choice.



References:

1- NICE -FAD Adalimumab, Etanercept and Infliximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after failure of
a previous TNF inhibitor. July 2008


Source:

Teva Dawson

roche