Pfizer and Eisai challenge NICE in UK over secrecy of decisions

Published: 17-Nov-2006

Following the rejection of drugs designed to treat Alzheimer\'s disease


Two pharmaceutical companies are seeking a judicial review of guidance issued by the UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) following the rejection of drugs designed to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Joint marketers of the drug Aricept, Eisai and Pfizer, want to challenge the process by which NICE rejected it. The outcome of the challenge could have significant repercussions for the UK's National Health Service.

The challenge is reported to be over the secrecy of how Nice actually measures the cost-effectiveness of drugs. Eisai and Pfizer maintain the computer model used in such assessments has never been disclosed, so it is impossible for companies to be sure that the process is fair.

It was NICE's recent rejection of the Alzheimer's drugs donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Excelon) and galantamine (Reminyl) that has provoked the action. Eisai has told NICE that it would be asking the High Court for a judicial review. NICE has 14 days in which to respond.

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