BIA comment on NICE and NHS England’s decision to fund Novartis’ CAR-T therapy Kymriah

Commenting on NICE and NHS England’s decision to fund Novartis’ Kymriah for patients up to 25 years old with a certain type of leukemia, BIA CEO, Steve Bates, said:

“Today’s decisions by NICE NHS England shows that the UK is well set to be the best country in the world in which to invent, trial, develop, manufacture and market next generation CAR-T cell cancer therapies. 

“The ability for NICE and NHS England to say yes for English patients to receive this new therapy within weeks of a drug regulatory approval will be a significant and pleasant surprise to the global industry. 

“Away from the headlines, industry, government and the NHS has laid the groundwork for adopting this type of innovation for a number of years so it’s fantastic to see UK patients starting to see the benefit of years of research and development. This step should enable the UK to be the first country in Europe where patients benefit from full access to this breakthrough treatment.”

He added: “We look forward to more fast collaboration between all parties as treatment opportunities from advanced therapies broaden over the coming months and years.” 

Ends 

Contact: Ed Sexton, BIA  Senior Communications Manager, [email protected] 02076302196

About the BIA                    

Established over 25 years ago at the infancy of biotechnology, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience. Members include emerging and more established bioscience companies; pharmaceutical companies; academic, research and philanthropic organisations; and service providers to the bioscience sector. The BIA represents the interests of its members to a broad section of stakeholders, from government and regulators to patient groups and the media. Our goal is to secure the UK's position as a global hub and as the best location for innovative research and commercialisation, enabling our world-leading research base to deliver healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference to people's lives.   

For further information, please go to www.bioindustry.org and twitter.com/BIA_UK

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