§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action the Government are taking in response to the views of the beta interferon appeal panel on selecting patients for treatment with beta interferon. [147036]
§ Mr. DenhamThe panel was set up to examine specific procedural points relating to the determination of the Appraisal Committee on beta interferon. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) asked the Appraisal Committee to reconsider the matters in the light of the appeal panel's decision.
NICE has now extended the timescale for its appraisal of both beta interferon and glatiramer acetate to enable further research to be undertaken on their cost effectiveness. NICE will review the outcome of the new modelling in the summer and unless there are further appeals would expect to issue its guidance by this November.