The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7369 p397
1 October 2005

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NICE proposes more rapid appraisals of new drugs

Proposals to allow the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to carry out appraisals of new drugs more rapidly were announced last week.

NICE proposes that, in selected cases, it would be able to issue guidance on new drugs and health technologies shortly after they become available. It is also looking to be able to begin appraisals before products are licensed.

Appraisals for drugs expected to increase life expectancy would be prioritised and NICE is hoping to cut the appraisal process to about six months — around half the time it takes to issue guidance at present. The proposals were submitted to the Department of Health for urgent discussion and a response is expected in a matter of weeks, a spokeswoman for NICE said.