Healthcare Watchdog to Reconsider GlaxoSmithKline Drug Benlysta Following Drugmaker's Appeal

Britain's healthcare cost watchdog NICE said on Friday it was reconsidering a decision to recommend against use of GlaxoSmithKline's lupus drug Benlysta on the state health service, following an appeal by the drugmaker. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will refer the issue back to a committee of experts, after an appeals panel at the agency upheld two points raised by GSK. Draft guidance from NICE last September recommended against use of the medicine given its high cost. NICE puts the cost at 2,308.50 pounds ($3,700) over the first four weeks and then 769.50 pounds every four weeks, although GSK has offered an undisclosed discount.

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