Posted by Michael Wonder on 03 Oct 2016
NHS watchdog ready to impose hefty fees for approving drugs
1 October 2016 - NICE’s cost hike could deter start-ups and delay lifesaving treatments.
The watchdog that approves medicines for NHS use is to start charging drugs companies to appraise new products in a controversial move that could delay patient access to lifesaving treatments.
NICE, which is funded by the health department, plans to introduce the fees next year. It will be the first time it has charged for assessing whether medicines offer value for money, which is a requirement before they can be prescribed by NHS doctors.
