As you will be aware the Department for Health and Social Care has asked NICE to carry out a Single Technology Appraisal (STA) of erythrocyte encapsulated asparaginase within its marketing authorisation for treating acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. For information, the company have now advised that they will not be pursuing a marketing authorisation application for erythrocyte encapsulated asparaginase from the European Medicines Authority for this indication at this time. Therefore, NICE have cancelled the consultation for this topic and have decided to suspend this appraisal on its work programme. As the appraisal has been referred, NICE will continue to monitor any developments and provide an update as and when the situation changes.