National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

NICE approves first treatment through fast-tracked appraisal pilot

Bimekizumab, which is used for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis, is the first treatment to be approved by a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence sub-committee in a trial fast-track appraisal process.…

Gillian Leng: ‘COVID-19 has been a strain, but also an opportunity’

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s new chief executive, Gillian Leng, took the helm in April 2020. She speaks to us about what lessons the organisation has taken away from the past year.…

First antimicrobial drugs purchased via new ‘subscription’ payment model

The first antimicrobial drugs have been purchased via the UK’s new ‘subscription-type’ payment model.…

Not enough evidence for use of vitamin D in prevention or treatment of COVID-19, NICE rapid guidance concludes

There is not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19, according to rapid guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.…

Medical cannabis has yet to live up to the hype

Two years since legalisation, prescribers need convincing that medical cannabis is an effective therapy option.…

NICE reverses advice on exercise therapy for treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome in draft guidance

Graded exercise therapy should not be offered for the treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/chronic fatigue syndrome, according to draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.…

Charity expresses patient safety concerns over draft atrial fibrillation guidance from NICE

A UK charity has expressed patient safety concerns over draft guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on the management of atrial fibrillation.…

Siponimod now recommended for patients with secondary progressive MS

Updated draft guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended siponimod for the treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.…

Scottish Medicines Consortium accepts nasal spray for depression previously rejected by NICE

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has accepted the use of esketamine nasal spray for use within NHS Scotland for adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.…

NICE updates anaphylaxis guidance to ensure patients carry two adrenaline injectors in response to coroner’s report

Healthcare professionals should always offer people with allergies a prescription for two further adrenaline injectors before discharge from hospital and advise patients to carry these with them at all times, updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has s…