New Hope for Crohn’s Disease Patients: NICE Recommends Mirikizumab for Eligible Adults
In a move welcomed by both clinicians and patient advocacy groups, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued final draft guidance recommending the use of mirikizumab – marketed as Omvoh – for adults with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who have not responded to previous biological therapies or cannot tolerate them.
The announcement comes less than two months after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granted marketing authorisation for the drug in the United Kingdom.
Under NHS protocols, mirikizumab will become available to eligible patients in England within 30 days of NICE’s final guidance, and within 60 days in Wales – marking a swift translation of scientific advancement into practical treatment access.
Promising Clinical Outcomes
The decision is underpinned by strong clinical evidence from the phase 3 VIVID-1 trial. Results showed that 45% of patients treated with mirikizumab achieved clinical remission after one year – more than double the 20% rate observed in the placebo group.
Furthermore, 38% of those on mirikizumab displayed visible healing of the intestinal lining, compared to just 9% of patients on placebo. These results suggest that the therapy not only alleviates symptoms but may also contribute to longer-term gastrointestinal health.
A Welcome Addition to Limited Options
Professor of Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Consultant Gastroenterologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, commented on the significance of this development.
They expressed that many patients with Crohn’s disease have explored several of the currently available therapies but are still seeking a treatment option that effectively helps manage their symptoms. Mirikizumab offers a much-needed alternative for those who have exhausted existing biologics.
Mirikizumab is already used in treating ulcerative colitis, and its safety profile in Crohn’s disease has shown to be generally consistent with its known effects. The most common side effects include headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and joint pain – considered manageable risks in comparison to the potential benefits of remission and mucosal healing.
Patient Community Reaction
The news has also been positively received by Crohn’s & Colitis UK, the leading charity supporting individuals affected by inflammatory bowel disease.
Its Chief Executive stated that Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition that affects over 200,000 people in the UK. Expanding the treatment options for eligible people living with Crohn’s – with drugs like mirikizumab – can only be a good thing!
For many living with the physical and emotional toll of Crohn’s disease, the availability of a new treatment provides not just relief but renewed optimism in managing their condition over the long term.
A Step Forward in Personalised Care
As the NHS continues its mission to provide effective, evidence-based care, mirikizumab represents a welcome step towards more personalised treatment strategies in the field of inflammatory bowel disease.
With its promising trial outcomes and rapid approval timeline, Omvoh could soon become a valuable tool in helping thousands of patients regain control over their symptoms and quality of life.
In conclusion
The NICE recommendation signals an important stride in the treatment of Crohn’s disease, offering eligible patients a new route to remission.
With expanded access on the horizon, mirikizumab’s rollout across the UK has the potential to change the course of care for many living with this complex and often debilitating condition.
News Credits: NICE recommends mirikizumab for Crohn’s disease treatment
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