Tocilizumab for treating giant cell arteritis

2.1 Tocilizumab (RoActemra, Roche) has a marketing authorisation for 'the treatment of adults with giant cell arteritis'.

2.2 Subcutaneous injection (162 mg) once every week in combination with a tapering course of glucocorticoids. Tocilizumab can be used alone following discontinuation of glucocorticoids, but monotherapy should not be used for the treatment of acute relapses. Treatment beyond 52 weeks should be guided by disease activity, physician discretion and patient choice.

2.3 £913.12 for 4 syringes containing 162 mg tocilizumab (excluding VAT). The company has a commercial arrangement. This makes tocilizumab available to the NHS with a discount. The size of the discount is commercial in confidence. It is the company's responsibility to let relevant NHS organisations know details of the discount.