The UK’s National Institute for Health Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance recommending Janssen’s Vanco (bortezomib) for certain newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. In a final assessment decision (FAD), NICE recommended Vancor with dexamethasone, or in combination with dexamethasone and thalidomide, for induction therapy in adult patients with multiple myeloma with no previous treatment history. Approximately 4,700 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the UK each year, usually at the age of 65 years or older. NICE Chief Executive Andrew Dillon commented on the draft proposals, noting that there is no treatment for the disease yet, only therapeutic drugs to stop progression and help remission, and that NICE is “very pleased” with the proposed inclusion of Vanco in the range of drugs used to treat different stages of the disease. “Clinical experts told the committee that induction therapy with bortezomib would lead to more patients going for bone marrow transplants, which would stop the disease progressing for longer.” In a negative appraisal consultation document (ACD) issued last year, NICE had requested further clinical evidence on Vanco and information on the cost-effectiveness of combining Vanco with dexamethasone versus the current standard of care. The agency has recommended Vanco as a single agent for the treatment of progressive multiple myeloma in patients who have had a first relapse after previous treatment with one drug and in patients who have received or are unsuitable for bone grafting.