Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jenny Willott (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Wednesday, 15 February 2006 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Drugs Approvals

Question: Given that more than 40,000 people in Wales suffer from dementia and that four clinically proven drugs that have successfully treated the symptoms of Alzheimer's have been available for several years, does the Minister share my concern that National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence withdrew the drugs solely on the ground of cost and thus ignored any consideration of quality of life? Will he get assurances from the Department of Health that NICE will co-operate fully with the Assembly's review of the drugs approval process?

Answer: The advice that NICE gives is not based purely on cost—far from it. It is based on the total efficacy of a drug. In 2001, based on the information that was available at the time, NICE issued guidance saying that Aricept was suitable for prescription and an effective drug. However, further information has been provided over the past four or five years, so NICE has reviewed its advice. That is its job. It must use the best evidence available. There clearly was not a great deal of evidence at the time at which the decision was taken, but there is now more evidence. It is vital that we get the best resources from our investment in the NHS, and NICE must deal with such issues.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 442 c1403
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Dementia Alzheimer's disease Health services Finance Licensing Drugs Medical treatments Prescription drugs Wales National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Testing Side effects
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk