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Friday, August 10th, 2007
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has welcomed the decision
of the judicial review with regard to the discriminatory nature of NICE guidance on
Alzheimer’s medicines.
However, it expressed disappointment that the full process by which NICE arrives at its
decisions should not be made public for scrutiny by patients, the pharmaceutical industry
and other stakeholders.
“There is a need for complete transparency when NICE is making important decisions that
affect people’s health. Everyone ought to know on what basis such crucial decisions are
made, and I therefore find the court’s decision very disappointing,” said Dr Richard Barker,
Director General of the ABPI.
The ABPI is also studying the implications of the judicial review’s decision with regard to
how NICE took into account the benefits that medicines bring to carers and the costs of
long-term care. The ABPI believes that NICE’s decisions rely very heavily on cost per
quality-adjusted life year, using healthcare costs and benefits only, and do not properly
acknowledge the full “value” of medicines to patients, their carers and society at large.
“In making these difficult decisions, NICE should be taking greater account of broader
quality of life issues for patients and their carers as well as cost savings that can be
realised in reducing the need for hospital treatment, social care and getting people back
to work. These areas are largely ignored at the moment,” said Dr Barker.
For further information, please contact:
Richard Ley (work) 020 7747 1410 (mobile) 07715 169727
Matt Worrall (work) 020 7747 1441 (mobile) 07879 404306
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