Speeding up access to new drugs
BMJ 2012; 344 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e999 (Published 17 February 2012) Cite this as: BMJ 2012;344:e999
- Nigel Hawkes, freelance journalist
- 1London, UK
- nigel.hawkes1{at}btinternet.com
The prime minister promised at the end of last year to give some patients quicker access to new drugs. Was this just an empty aspiration?
No. A lot of thought has been given to a faster access scheme since David Cooksey recommended it in his review of UK health research funding in December 2006. A working group from industry and government produced a plan by November 2009. It sat on a shelf until resurrected two years later.
How would it work?
Medicines that have completed phase III trials (or in exceptional circumstances phase II) and that will treat or prevent life threatening, chronic, or seriously debilitating conditions that lack adequate existing treatments would qualify. Manufacturers would have to apply, and a decision would be promised in 75 days.
How would that be any quicker than licensing, if phase III trials have already been completed?
It usually takes a year or more to get licensing approval after a successful phase III trial. The new process is expected to get these medicines to patients a year earlier than otherwise would be the case. …
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