The NHS has published final draft guidance recommending abiraterone and its generic variants in combination with androgen deprivation therapy and prednisolone or prednisone as an option for adults with newly diagnosed high-risk hormone‑sensitive metastatic prostate cancer.
The decision marks a significant shift from our 2021 guidance, which could not recommend abiraterone because, at the time, it did not represent value for money for the NHS. The availability of lower-cost generic versions prompted a re-evaluation, leading to today’s positive recommendation.
Generic medicines are versions of brand-name drugs that have the same active ingredient, strength, and safety. They are developed after a brand-name drug’s patent expires.
While generic abiraterone is already being used in some areas, its availability has varied. Our positive recommendation addresses this inconsistency, expanding access to a clinically effective medicine with as many as 4,000 people now able to benefit from this additional treatment option.
We estimate the NHS could potentially save £millions annually by greater use of the generic version of abiraterone rather than using enzalutamide and apalutamide, the other treatments we recommend at this stage – funds which can be reinvested in breakthrough treatments and care improvements.
The review also tested a new process as part of our whole life-cycle approach to guidance development. This approach makes our recommendations more responsive to changes in evidence, pricing, and clinical practice – supporting the Government’s 10 Year Plan to keep NHS care up to date and cost-effective.
