Crohn's & Colitis UK hails NICE decision on access to vedolizumab (Entyvio) for Ulcerative Colitis

This news is of major significance for people with Ulcerative Colitis who have up till now had very limited treatment options. Active Ulcerative Colitis can lead to a low quality of life and for people with the most severe form of the condition, bowel surgery may be the only option, where existing medical treatments have not been successful.

Elizabeth Cleaver, who has Ulcerative Colitis and took part in the NICE appraisal as an expert patient explains:

“This fantastic decision and the recent positive guidance on anti-TNFs represent a step change in the treatment for Ulcerative Colitis. NICE has listened to the experience of and evidence from people with Ulcerative Colitis and other stakeholders in making this important recommendation.”

Welcoming the dedicated work of the patient association, Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and its membership in providing the patient evidence during the NICE public consultation, Dr Ailsa Hart, consultant gastroenterologist at St Mark’s Hospital, Harrow explains:

“This is a new biologic drug which has a different mode of action from the anti-TNFs being gut-selective and targeting white blood cells. This news extends the much-needed therapeutic option for patients who are often young people who have run out of treatment options.”

Helen Terry, Crohn’s & Colitis UK Director of Policy and Public Affairs, is delighted with the positive outcome. Helen explains:

“We very much welcome this decision that there will an additional and promising new treatment option available for people with Ulcerative Colitis, for whom current options are very limited. This is an extremely positive development and we are delighted that NICE have taken on board the level of need and valued the patient input and evidence. Previously, people in this situation had little other option except surgery, with all the implications that this can bring.”

More information

• Read the draft guidance on the NICE website