NICE recommends pirtobrutinib, an at-home oral therapy by Eli Lilly, for adults with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, offering a new option for patients after BTK inhibitor treatment.
Written By: Sana Khan, BPharm
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance recommending the oral therapy pirtobrutinib for certain adults with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) whose disease has returned after prior treatment and who are no longer suitable for further Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor therapy.
Developed by Eli Lilly, the drug is marketed under the brand name Jaypirca. The once-daily tablet could benefit around 200 patients in England by providing an additional treatment option at a stage where existing therapies are no longer effective or tolerated.
CLL, the most common type of leukaemia in England, is a chronic condition characterized by cycles of remission and relapse, often placing a sustained physical and emotional burden on patients. The draft recommendation focuses on individuals with limited treatment options, positioning pirtobrutinib as an alternative that may help delay disease progression.
Patient and clinical experts highlighted the advantage of at-home administration, noting that reduced reliance on hospital visits can improve daily functioning and independence, particularly for older patients and those with comorbidities such as impaired kidney function.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, stated that expanding access to effective treatments for relapsed CLL is essential given the long-term burden of the disease, emphasizing that decisions aim to balance clinical benefit with responsible use of NHS resources.
The draft guidance is open for public consultation until 11 May, after which NICE will determine whether the treatment will be made routinely available within the NHS.
Reference
New take at home drug recommended for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia | NICE
About the Writer
Sana Jamil Khan is a B.Pharm graduate with a strong interest in medical writing and scientific communication. Her work focuses on interpreting clinical research, exploring developments in pharmaceutical science, and presenting complex medical information in a clear and accessible manner. She is particularly interested in topics related to human clinical studies, drug safety observations, and emerging therapeutic research.