British Drugmakers Abandon Challenge to New Cost-effectiveness Rules

The trade association of the British drug industry dropped its legal challenge to new guidelines from national regulators that subject higher-priced drugs to an extra review under England’s single-payer National Health Service.

The Association of the British Pharmaceuticals Industry said the guidelines could delay patient access to new treatments. It asked the courts to review the regulators’ decision to adopt the guidelines, but a judge turned down the request. ABPI said it would not appeal the ruling.

The NHS and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence announced the guidelines in October 2016, with the rules taking effect April 1. NICE evaluates new drugs for cost effectiveness, which determines whether they are eligible for purchase through the NHS.