KIMMTRAK recommended for funding by NICE for uveal melanoma patients

Immunocore has announced that Kimmtrak (tebentafusp) has been recommended for funding in England by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and is now available through the NHS. This marks a significant reversal of last year’s negative decision, allowing the first treatment shown to prolong survival in HLA-A*02:01-positive adults with metastatic or unresectable […]

Immunocore has announced that Kimmtrak (tebentafusp) has been recommended for funding in England by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and is now available through the NHS.

This marks a significant reversal of last year’s negative decision, allowing the first treatment shown to prolong survival in HLA-A*02:01-positive adults with metastatic or unresectable uveal melanoma (mUM) to be accessed by patients in England.

Uveal melanoma, the most common eye cancer in adults, is a rare disease with around 650 cases diagnosed and treated annually in the UK. Up to 50% of people with this condition will eventually develop metastatic disease.

Kimmtrak is a novel bispecific T cell receptor immunotherapy developed using Immunocore’s proprietary ImmTAC technology platform, pioneered in the company’s UK labs.

The treatment is already available for mUM patients in the US, many EU countries, Canada, Australia, and now the UK.

Dr Paul Nathan, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and a lead investigator in the clinical trial that supported Kimmtrak’s approval, said, “This is a landmark decision for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma in England. Kimmtrak offers hope where there were limited options before.”

He added, “The NICE recommendation ensures that patients can now benefit from this innovative treatment, which has demonstrated a significant survival benefit.”

An Immunocore executive commented, “We are thrilled that Kimmtrak has been recommended for funding in England. This decision underscores the importance of providing cutting-edge treatments to patients with life-threatening conditions.”

National patient groups involved in NICE consultations have also welcomed the decision, recognising the potential impact on patient outcomes and quality of life.