NETAG issues appraisal and recommendation on anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) for aplastic anaemia

Source: NETAG Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews The NHS North East Treatment Advisory Group (NETAG) has undertaken an appraisal of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) for first-line treatment of adult aplastic anaemia. The Group recommends horse ATG as first-line immunosuppressive therapy in preference to rabbit ATG for the treatment of adult aplastic anaemia, acknowledging the substantial difference in efficacy between the two (demonstrated in a single randomised study and supported by the majority of data from non-comparative studies). Recent clinical guidelines support horse ATG in preference to rabbit ATG as first-line immunosuppressive therapy in aplastic anaemia.   The Group noted that although horse ATG is around £12,500 more costly than rabbit ATG per course, significant off-set costs could arise from a reduction in the use of subsequent immunosuppressive therapies and other healthcare resources from the improved efficacy associated with horse ATG. The group accepted that the cost of horse ATG was susceptible to ...
Source: NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news