NICE Issues Positive Recommendation for Use of Kineret to Treat Still’s Disease

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a positive recommendation for Kineret (anakinra) to be used as a first-line biologic therapeutic option for Still’s disease.

In a March 31, 2021 press release, Kineret drug company, Sobi, revealed the recommendation, which also covers systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still’s Disease (AOSD). Still’s disease is a rare, serious inflammatory disorder that can present in adults as AOSD or children up to 16 years old as sJIA.

“We are pleased to receive this positive news for anakinra,” said Michael Oliver, vice-president and general manager, Sobi UK and Republic of Ireland, in the press release. “As a company we are committed to improving the lives of people with rare diseases and this recommendation will provide earlier access to anakinra in patients with Still’s disease and help to enhance their quality of life.”

“I welcome this positive recommendation for anakinra in relation to sJIA, as it offers an effective, therapeutic option for a disease which can be associated with significant morbidity among patients,” commented Professor A Ramanan, consultant pediatric rheumatologist, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, in the press release.

“This final NICE guidance endorses that clinicians have the flexibility to use anakinra earlier in the patient pathway, as a first-line biologic therapy, which is something specialists in this area welcome and brings us closer to quicker disease control that would prevent progressive joint and systemic damage,” added Paul Brogan, professor of vasculitis and speciality lead, Paediatric Rheumatology, Great Ormond Street Hospital Institute for Child Health, in the press release.

Source: Sobi