ABPI response to Innovative Medicines Fund

NHS England has announced an Innovative Medicines Fund to fast-track promising new medicines.

The Innovative Medicines Fund (IMF) is intended to build upon the reformed Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF), by supporting patients with any condition, including those with rare and genetic diseases, to get early access to the most clinically promising treatments where further data is needed to support NICE in making final recommendations around their routine use in the NHS.

In response, Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI said: 

“This commitment from the government is another important step towards improving access to new medicines for NHS patients. 

"The fund can build on the success of the Cancer Drugs Fund and provide an opportunity for all patients to benefit early from the most promising treatments – including those for the rarest conditions. 

“It also sends a signal to the global pharmaceutical industry that the UK is serious about using new health technologies, which in turn could help drive investment into UK life sciences.”