I have just received a response from the Government to the Dasatanib and Nilotonib petition.
"In response to the concerns that many people have about the availability of dasatinib and nilotinib for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia, the Department of Health should stress that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has not yet published final guidance on the use of dasatinib and nilotinib. NICE has recently issued draft guidance that does not recommend the use of dasatinib and nilotinib for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia and registered stakeholders had until 7 December 2009 to submit comments. NICE’s Appraisal Committee is considering the responses to the consultation and the Institute currently expects to issue its final guidance to the NHS in April 2010.
NICE is an independent body, which makes decisions on the clinical and cost effectiveness of products based on a thorough assessment of the available evidence involving extensive consultation with stakeholders and in the context of a finite NHS budget. Some of these treatments cost thousands of pounds, so NHS bodies must find a balance between funding expensive drugs for a limited number of patients and providing services and treatments that will benefit many other people.
The Department recognises that the Institute’s decisions have serious implications for patients and their carers. These are very difficult decisions and they are made only after careful consideration.
It would therefore not be appropriate for Ministers or officials to intervene in an ongoing appraisal. However, several patient groups are registered stakeholders in this appraisal and concerned parties may wish to raise concerns about NICE’s guidance with one of these organisations. Details of stakeholder organisations can be found at: www.guidance.nice.org.uk/TA/Wave17/18
Where NICE guidance is not yet available for a treatment, the NHS Constitution gives patients a right to expect local funding decisions on the availability of drugs and treatments to be made rationally and on the basis of the available evidence. NHS organisations are also required to have processes in place for the consideration of exceptional cases, even where NICE has not recommended a particular drug or treatment"
The battle goes on.
Johnh
