The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Janssen's Tremfya as a cost-effective treatment for plaque psoriasis, Pharma Times reported on Friday.

A Final Appraisal Determination was published by the cost regulator to back the funding for the drug, which was launched in the UK in the November.

Tremfya (guselkumab) is the first biologic to selectively target interleukin (IL)-23, a key protein involved in the immune inflammatory response in psoriasis.

The Final Appraisal Determination was fast-tracked as a result of the European approval in November last year. Approval was based on Phase III trials, VOYAGE 1 and VOYAGE 2, which showed high rates of skin clearance.

Janssen has agreed a confidential patient access scheme with the Department of Health and Social Care, offering the drug to the NHS at a reduced cost.