Since 2020, almost half of NICE’s positive decisions have come with major restrictions.
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OHE Bulletin
What is driving change in health technology assessment — and why does it matter? Our latest publications and insights look into its impact on patients and policy worldwide.
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Martina Garau, Director
HTA decision making is rarely black and white
The decision to recommend or not recommend medicines by HTA bodies isn’t straight-forward. Oftentimes, they may optimise recommendations, which support the medicine being used by a smaller sub-group of patients than originally indicated.
From an economic perspective, it makes sense to recommend treatments only to patient groups where there is evidence that the treatment offers good value for money. However our most recent research finds that in the UK, optimised decisions are becoming more frequent and apply to narrower populations: 84% of NICE’s decisions are positive, but since 2020 nearly half of these have been optimised. On average, each optimised decision provides access to less than half (31%) of the total licensed population.
Finally, our most recent Insight explores rising interest in GLP-1s, and stresses that understanding patient preferences is critical for market access, pricing and HTA decisions.
Report finds 31% average access in optimised NICE decisions
An Analysis of NICE’s Optimised Decisions from 2015 to 2024
Between 2023 and 2024, 47% of NICE’s positive decisions were optimised, focusing on smaller patient populations. On average, these decisions applied to 31% of the total licensed population. The report looks at trends over time and across condition areas.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are reshaping how we approach obesity, with trials showing weight loss of up to 17%. NHS access remains limited, and individuals weigh treatment trade-offs differently based on what matters most to them. As demand grows, how should decisions about access be made?
NICE’s global role: where and how its decisions matter
NICE enough? Do NICE’s Decision Outcomes Impact International HTA Decision-making?
New research suggests NICE decisions have some influence in most of the 12 countries studied, but the level and type of impact vary. Negative decisions may carry more weight internationally, particularly in price negotiations. Could NICE’s global role shift as HTA collaboration grows?
As an employer, have you considered the impact of respiratory infections on productivity?
A new interactive Respiratory Cost Calculator, developed by OHE, commissioned and owned by Pfizer, enables employers to estimate the financial impact of absenteeism and presenteeism due to short-term respiratory illnesses.
Just finished (or nearly finished) your MSc in economics? This is a chance to work on meaningful projects that connect research, health policy, and real-world impact. Send us your CV and cover letter by 30 May.
