NICE ‘must be protected from outside influence’

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has said that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) must be insulated from the demands of the government, pharmaceutical companies, politicians and patients.

A review published by the journal concluded that NICE has been acting in a “fair and consistent” manner in its remit to ensure quality. It found that recommendations regarding the approval or non-approval of drugs were evenly distributed.

A BMJ statement said: “NICE changed its advice on treatment for Alzheimer?s disease and osteoporosis after vocal campaigns, which have placed trastuzumab at the forefront of public and political consciousness.”

“This has led to the feeling that the licensing and NICE approval of trastuzumab for early stage cancer is a foregone conclusion,” it added.

“It is also clear that companies, which have to make a profit, will seek what advantage they can. Less easily understood is the way that politicians seem to undermine NICE,” concluded the statement.

Last month NICE defended its drug approval process after a court case involving breast cancer patients suing their primary care trust for not providing Herceptin, a potentially-lifesaving but currently unlicensed drug.

NICE’s chief executive, Andrew Dillon, said the procedures had to be followed to ensure an effective and safe system for licensing.

He said: “It’s only in this way that consistent decisions can be taken to bring an end to the uncertainty that faces both patients and the NHS.”

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