Incyte Biosciences UK has received NICE approval for eligible NHS patients with non-segmental vitiligo to be reimbursed for Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream 15mg/g.
This comes after more than two years of negotiation and sustained engagement with, and campaigning from, the patient and clinical community.
This decision follows the publication of the Final Draft Guidance (FDG) for the topical treatment of adults and adolescents 12 years and older with non-segmental vitiligo with facial involvement.
Ruxolitinib cream, a topical formulation of a Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor, is the first and only approved treatment in England to offer eligible patients with vitiligo support for re-pigmentation.
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition in which areas of skin depigment or lose their colour due to the progressive destruction of pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Around one in 100 people in the UK develop vitiligo with approximately eight in 10 of those suffering with non-segmental vitiligo, where both sides of the body are affected by symmetrical white patches.
Anyone can develop vitiligo, but it appears more visually prominent in those with darker skin. It is also known to have a large psychosocial impact, which can negatively impact the quality of life of people living with the condition.
Abbie Hurrell, Chief Executive Officer, The Vitiligo Society said: “This decision is a significant milestone for our community, and we are hugely excited by how the approval of Opzelura will potentially transform treatment for people living with non-segmental vitiligo.
“Vitiligo is a condition that has psychologically devastating effects on people living with it. Our own research shows that 80% of patients said vitiligo negatively impacts their appearance and almost half (46%) have suffered with feelings of isolation and depression.
“This means the community now has an opportunity to access treatment options in a way they never have before, addressing this area of historical high unmet medical need.”
Pete Williams, General Manager Incyte Biosciences UK and Ireland said: “Patients in the UK will now be able to receive the first and only approved treatment for non-segmental vitiligo. This decision is the result of two years of negotiation with NICE and NHSE, and significant collaboration with the patient community to ensure their interests remained at the forefront of decision-makers’ minds.”