UK cost agency says “no” to Novartis blood cancer drug Jakavi

LONDON, Feb 13:  A new drug from Novartis for myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, is not worth using on the state health service, Britain’s healthcare cost watchdog said on Wednesday. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said it had issued new draft guidance not recommending Jakavi because it could not be considered a cost-effective use of resources. (agencies)