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NEWS: Clare Dyer NICE faces legal challenge over Alzheimer's drug BMJ 2007; 334: 654-655 [Full text]

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Beyond Reproach?

Michael S Small   (2 April 2007)

Beyond Reproach? 2 April 2007
Michael S Small, GP Ripley, DE5 3TH Send response to journal: Re: Beyond Reproach?	I am surprised and concerned by the NICE chief executives comments: "We are disappointed that Eisai has taken this step. We consider their claim without foundation, and it will require us to divert energy and funding from the work we do to support patients and health professionals and get the most out of the resources available to the NHS." If Eisai's allegation regarding non disclosure of cost effectiveness models is true, along with these comments I am left with the impression that NICE consider themselves beyond reproach. Whatever the truth of the matter, it is unacceptable for a public body to suggest that it's publicly funded status should in anyway protect it from scrutiny. Competing interests: grandparent and many patients with early dementia