Reversing its initial decision to reject the drug, NICE has issued a positive recommendation for Kyowa Kirin’s rare disease drug Crystiva, the first treatment approved to target the underlying pathophysiology of X-Linked Hypophosphataemia (XLH).
The U-turn is good news for the Japan company, which negotiated on the price of the treatment behind closed doors after the NICE’s conclusion that the drug wasn’t cost effective.
the UK’s cost-effectiveness watchdog is now set to recommend the twice-monthly injection for the treatment of XLH in children and young people with growing bones, with final guidance expected in October.
Tom Stratford, CEO, Kyowa Kirin International said: It is a major development that NICE has recommended Crysvita for routine use among children and young people with XLH in England and Wales.
“This marks a step change in treatment for XLH, emphasised through the emotional testimonies provided by patient groups and clinicians following the first evaluation consultation.”
Characterised by bowed or bent legs, a short stature, bone pain and delayed walking, XLH is first seen in infants but can also affect adults.
It is caused by low levels of phosphate in the blood, resulting in life-long physical disabilities.
Until now, treating this disease has consisted of multiple daily doses of phosphate and vitamin D to counteract the effects of FGF23, a protein that when produced excessively, reduces renal phosphates in the blood.
Crysvita targets this pathway by blocking the activity of FGF23, restoring phosphate blood levels by reducing phosphate loss via the kidneys.
Commenting on NICE’s decision, Oliver Gardiner, Board Member at XLH UK, said: “This is important news for children and young adults with XLH who will now be able to benefit from Crysvita routinely on the NHS.
“Access to a treatment that tackles the underlying mechanism and has the potential to avoid or mitigate substantial physical and emotional challenges, will truly make a difference to the lives of patients and their families.”
Crysvita was already accessible to patients under the NHS via the UK’s early access programme, which will be extended to allow time for NHS England to implement NICE’s final guidance.