Chris King / Alamy
A new website is being launched on 15 July 2015 that will collate patients’ views on how access to innovative medicines and medical technology could be speeded up.
The move is the latest step in the UK government’s Accelerated Access Review, which was launched in November 2014 by the then coalition government when it was known as the Innovative Medicines and Medical Technology Review.
The review — led by Sir Hugh Taylor, chair of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, with the support of an expert advisory group — is due to report in December 2015.
It is focusing on the regulation, reimbursement and uptake of new medicines, devices and diagnostics. It is looking at the current barriers to innovation and how they can be overcome. The review is especially keen to see how the collection of data can be speeded up to support earlier access to new medicines, as well as looking at the contribution of digital healthcare.
When the review was launched, George Freeman, the minister for life sciences, said the government wanted to see patients having access to cancer medicines up to seven years earlier.
As well as seeking patient opinion, the review is also asking for the views of clinicians – including pharmacists – and the wider pharmaceutical industry.
A number of virtual workshops will be held during summer 2015 where interested individuals can, using social media and chat rooms, share ideas and possible solutions. A series of national events are also planned.
