The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7183 p123-130
2 February 2002

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NICE panel rejects MS appeals

A National Institute of Clinical Excellence appeal panel has rejected all arguments brought against the institute's final determination on the use of beta interferon and glatiramer acetate in multiple sclerosis. NICE's appraisal of beta interferon and glatiramer acetate last year concluded that neither drug should be recommended for treatment of MS on the National Health Service (PJ, 10 November 2001, p672). Guidance is expected to be issued for England and Wales on 4 February.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has called on the Secretary of State for Health to reject NICE's recommendation. "To deprive patients of the clinical benefit [of these medicines] is an affront to people with MS. ... These medicines are being used to help many patients with MS in Europe and the United States," Dr Trevor Jones, director general, ABPI, said.

Ken Walker, acting chief executive, Multiple Sclerosis Society, said: "We have repeatedly argued that the measures of cost-effectiveness NICE has used are inappropriate for a fluctuating life-long condition like MS."

He added that the MS Society was keen to see the risk-sharing initiative, proposed by NICE in August and being discussed by the Department of Health and manufacturers of the drugs (PJ, 3 November 2001, p633), begin.

Manufacturers of the drugs, patient groups and the Royal College of Nursing brought 93 separate appeals following the publication of NICE's final appraisal determination.

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