HC Deb 29 March 2001 vol 365 cc754-5W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for how long the decision to prescribe beta interferons and copaxone for multiple sclerosis sufferers has been under review; [155613]

(2) when NICE is expected to issue guidance on beta interferons and glat[...]ramer acetate (copaxone). [155611]

Mr. Denham

We asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to conduct an authoritative appraisal of beta Intelferon and glatiramer acetate in August 1999. We expect NICE to produce its authoritative guidance on these drugs in November 2001, provided there are no appeals

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the same criteria of cost effectiveness applied to beta interferons and copaxone were applied in the appraisal of Orlistat for the treatment of obesity. [155612]

Mr. Denham

Guidance on how the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) should carry out its appraisals is contained in Annexe C of its framework document. The detailed application of the approach is a matter for NICE.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are to be used in the economic modelling to measure the cost effectiveness of disease modifying MS drugs being assessed by NICE. [155585]

Mr. Denham

Detailed issues of the appraisal process are a matter for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). I understand that NICE is currently discussing additional economic modelling with relevant interested parties.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received concerning the derision by NICE to delay issuing guidance on beta interferon and glatiramer acetate (copaxone). [155581]

Mr. Denham

On 22 December the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) announced that it was extending the time scale for its appraisal of beta interferon and glatiramer acetate to enable further modelling to be undertaken on their cost effectiveness. Since that date my Department's records indicate receipt of approximately 300 written representations from hon. Members, patient groups and the public about the current arrangements for prescribing and funding of beta interferon. I have also met representatives of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, the MS Research Trust and the Association of British Neurologists.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure that common standards are applied for appraising drugs and treatments for the NHS. [155583]

Mr. Denham

We are setting common standards through the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.