Pharma reaction to the Government’s AAR review
pharmafile | October 27, 2015 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development | Accelerated Access Review
The long-awaited interim report on the Government’s Accelerated Access Review has been published.
The Government department overseeing the report, the Office for Life Sciences, promised a root and branch review of the way the pharma industry, drug regulators and the NHS operates, in order to speed up the adoption of innovative new health technologies and patient access to medicines.
The AAR interim report sets out five key areas that have the potential to transform the way that innovative treatments are adopted in the NHS.
Ministers have been urged to introduce conditional approvals for innovative new drugs, and ‘radically new’ central agreements on drug pricing, as part of a raft of changes to create a ‘fundamental shift’ to a more affordable system. The pharma industry has been reacting to its publication.
Life Sciences Minister George Freeman:
“We live in an era of exciting medical innovation which offers amazing benefits for patients, NHS and social care staff and industry. By capitalising on advances in digital diagnostics, health apps, and precision medicines, we can speed up the time it takes to get new drugs and treatments to patients. Sir Hugh and the AAR team have set out the challenge and opportunity, and I very much look forward to their specific recommendations in the Spring.”
Sir Hugh Taylor, independent chair of the AAR:
“This report describes our progress in formulating proposals to improve the current system for developing, evaluating and adopting innovative medical technology for the benefit of patients, the health system and life sciences industry.
“Thanks to an extensive response from our stakeholders, we have been able to develop several propositions which will form the basis of our next phase of engagement. I encourage all interested parties to contribute their views and help us create final recommendations for Government.”
Professor Sir John Bell, chair of the AAR’s External Advisory Group:
“We have made substantial progress in developing some of the key underpinning concepts for the Accelerated Access Review. There is a remarkable convergence in the views of many, both within the healthcare system and outside it, as to how this agenda could be advanced for the benefit of patients. The interim report is an important milestone towards a final report that could define the NHS and the UK as having one of the most innovative, yet cost effective, healthcare systems in the world.”
Steve Bates, UK BioIndustry Association chief executive:
“The interim report recognises that the two fundamental challenges are to ensure the health system is receptive to innovation and to find workable ways to ensure its adoption in order that patients can benefit from innovative treatments. The BIA, in its response to the interim report, focused on the impact we believe would be achieved through a reimbursed Early Access to Medicines Scheme.
“It is great to see that the report outlines that a radically new approach is required to accelerate the introduction of innovative treatments into the system and that this is one of five core propositions contained in the report. The BIA looks forward to working with its membership, government and the wider stakeholder community in developing this thinking ahead of the final report in April 2016.”
Alison Clough, acting chief executive of the ABPI:
“Recognition of the need to ‘invest to save’ is a significant step forward. New medicines should be seen as a long-term investment and not simply as a cost; if we invest wisely in the right treatments for patients they will benefit from improved outcomes often resulting in NHS savings over the longer term.
“Improved access to new medicines will not only be beneficial to patients but will also provide a boost to the life-sciences industry and the UK economy. The attractiveness of the UK as a place to do business and invest in innovative new treatments and technologies, ultimately depends on whether companies can research, launch and sell medicines in the UK, and we are pleased this has been recognised by the review.
“We look forward to working with the review team, NHS and other stakeholders, to consider how they can practically deliver these exciting proposals and make the changes required.”
Dr Stuart Dollow, ‘review champion’ and founder of Vermilion Life Sciences:
“The input we have received from our stakeholders has helped us develop a good understanding of where barriers exist – and where opportunities may lie – to improve awareness and prioritisation of innovation based on patient need.”
Rob Webster, chief executive of NHS Confederation and AAR workstream champion:
“Innovation is crucial to the future of our NHS, and most importantly for improving patient care. With increased pressures on our health service, ensuring patients have access to the latest clinically-effective and cost-effective technologies and treatments is crucial for delivering the best care. This must go hand in hand with the rapid decommissioning of ineffective and inefficient treatments. The ultimate test of this review will be whether the final recommendations can be implemented rapidly, leading to improved delivery.”
Lilian Anekwe
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