Reshape NICE Remit to Fit New ‘Value’ Era, Says ABPI

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has called for a change in the remit of NICE, to equip it for the future 'value-based' era envisaged by Government.

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has called for a change in the remit of NICE, to equip it for the future ‘value-based’ era envisaged by Government. Speaking (on 19 October 2010) at the Westminster Health Forum, which is holding a seminar on the changing role of NICE, Dr Richard Barker, Director General of the ABPI, sets out a three-point plan for the future:
• Broaden NICE’s definition of value to capture all the key elements of healthcare innovation, and reflect uncertainties in early assessment of medicines in value ranges.
• Refocus attention on clinical best practice and quality standards and how innovation can advance both.
• Dismantle NHS processes that ‘second-guess’ NICE conclusions.

“As debate begins on the design of a future ‘value-based’ approach to how the NHS pays for medicines, it’s vital we have a parallel debate on the role and focus of NICE.”