§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the decision by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence not to recommend beta interferon to be supplied by the NHS for patients with multiple sclerosis; [13403]
(2) what estimate he has made of the cost per patient of supplying beta interferon by the NHS to multiple sclerosis patients; [13405]
(3) what estimate he has made of the number of NHS patients with multiple sclerosis who would require beta interferon if available from the NHS. [13404]
§ Ms BlearsThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence has not yet issued definitive guidance on the use of disease modifying drugs in multiple sclerosis. Its final appraisal determination (FAD) is now at the appeals stage.
However, as recommended in the FAD we are currently holding discussions with the manufacturers to consider a range of options under which drugs for multiple sclerosis might be made available tinder the National Health 942W Service. One option is a "risk-sharing" scheme which will evaluate their clinical and cost effectiveness, and until these discussions are concluded we cannot provide detailed information on potential numbers of patients who may be affected. The FAD indicates that the current annual cost per patient of the various available drug treatments is £7,259 (Betaferon), £9,061 (Avonex), £9,088–£12,068 (lower dose/higher dose Rebif) or £6,650 (glatiramer acetate).