7 Sources of evidence considered by the committee

A. The evidence review group (ERG) report for this appraisal was prepared by the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield:

  • Latimer N et al. Rituximab in combination with corticosteroids for the treatment of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, May 2013

B. The following organisations accepted the invitation to participate in this appraisal as consultees and commentators. They were invited to comment on the draft scope, the ERG report and the appraisal consultation document (ACD). Organisations listed in I were also invited to make written submissions. Organisations listed in II and III had the opportunity to give their expert views. Organisations listed in I, II and III also have the opportunity to appeal against the final appraisal determination.

I. Manufacturer/sponsor:

  • Roche Products

II. Professional/specialist and patient/carer groups:

  • Vasculitis UK

  • British Association of Dermatologists

  • British Association for Paediatric Nephrology

  • British Society for Rheumatology

  • British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology

  • British Thoracic Society

  • Primary Care Rheumatology Society

  • Renal Association

  • Royal College of Nursing

  • Royal College of Pathologists

  • Royal College of Physicians

III. Other consultees:

  • Department of Health

  • Bournemouth and Poole, and Dorset PCT Cluster

  • Welsh Government

IV. Commentator organisations (did not provide written evidence and without the right of appeal):

  • Commissioning Support Appraisals Service

  • Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland

  • Healthcare Improvement Scotland

  • Pfizer

  • Arthritis Research UK

  • Vasculitis Rare Disease Working Group of the UK and Ireland

  • School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR)

  • National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme

C. The following individuals were selected from clinical specialist and patient expert nominations from the consultees and commentators. They gave their expert personal view on rituximab in combination with glucocorticoids by attending the committee discussion and providing written evidence to the committee. They were also invited to comment on the ACD.

  • Professor Lorraine Harper, Professor of Nephrology, nominated by the Renal Association – clinical specialist

  • Dr Peter Lanyon, nominated by the British Society for Rheumatology – clinical specialist

  • John Mills, nominated by Vasculitis UK – patient expert

  • Lisa Ranyell, nominated by Vasculitis UK – patient expert

D. Representatives from the following manufacturer/sponsor attended committee meetings. They contributed only when asked by the committee chair to clarify specific issues and comment on factual accuracy.

  • Roche Products

ISBN: 978-1-4731-0500-3

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)