MPs to scrutinise drug watchdog

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MPs are to investigate the workings of the NHS drug watchdog.

The Health Select Committee will scrutinise the role of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

The body, which decides which drugs and treatments should be widely used by the NHS, has generated criticism for turning down some products.

Alzheimer's campaigners have gone to the High Court to challenge NICE's refusal to sanction new drugs.

Nice's appraisal process grossly disadvantages people with certain conditions Neil HuntAlzheimer's Society

MPs will focus on why NICE's decisions have increasingly been challenged, and consider if public confidence has been damaged.

They will examine NICE's evaluation process, and whether it potentially disadvantages any particular groups. And they will also look at how quickly NICE publishes its guidance - and whether it is implemented on the ground.

The inquiry will also compare the system with that in Scotland.

Evolution

Professor Sir Michael Rawlins, NICE chair, said: "Since its inception in 1999, the Institute has evolved in response to the challenges the NHS faces in setting national standards for promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health.

"Our aim is to do everything we can to support the patients, carers and health professionals that our guidance benefits, and we welcome the opportunity to assist the Committee in investigating the challenges we face to make this a reality."

NICE is currently facing a High Court challenge from two drug companies and the Alzheimer's Society over its refusal to back several dementia drugs for use on the NHS.

The watchdog ruled in 2005 that drugs including Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine) and Reminyl (galantamine) should not be prescribed for patients in the mild or late stages of the disease.

The drugs makers, Eisai and Pfizer, will argue in court that the process leading to the guidance was unfair.

'Flawed' system

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said the investigation was long overdue.

He said: "NICE's appraisal process grossly disadvantages people with certain conditions.

"Its assessment of drugs for people with Alzheimer's disease has been fatally flawed from start to finish, with devastating results for the 100,000 people who will develop dementia this year alone."

Mr Hunt said that the NICE system overlooked the benefits that these treatments offered carers as well as patients.

He also hit out at the fact that there was no independent appeals process to NICE's appraisal system.

"It is this glaring absence that has forced us to go to the High Court and challenge the cruel and unethical decision to limit access to treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

"We fully recognise the important role NICE plays within the healthcare system in the UK.

"Hopefully this review will highlight the changes that NICE should make to ensure people get the treatments they need and deserve."