The U.K.'s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence rejected Roche Holding Ltd.'s breast cancer drug Kadcyla on financial grounds.

The government body, which evaluates drugs for use in the National Health Service, said the cost of the £90,000 per year drug did not justify its benefits despite a discount from the company.

NICE's decision is preliminary, however, and the government body is open to consultation.

Around 1,200 people with HER2-positive, unresectable, metastatic breast cancer would be eligible to receive Kadcyla if it were to be recommended.

Patients on Roche's Kadcyla are understood to live up to 9 months longer when compared to those taking the alternative, lapatinib plus capecitabine.