NICE to remove approval from scores of drugs for first time

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence will withdraw its backing for a large number of drugs and other interventions which now offer poor value for money in an unprecedented move set to be revealed in tomorrow’s 10-Year Health Plan, HSJ has learned.

Such a move would end the NHS’s statutory mandate to supply the “retired” medicines, treatments, medical devices and procedures.

At present, NICE does not remove its approval for interventions which have successfully completed its appraisal process, even when they are no longer recommended in guidelines as being clinically and/or cost-effective. This new policy will see those interventions not recommended having their NICE approval withdrawn.

Hundreds of technologies have been approved by NICE since its formation in 1999. HSJ understands scores could be retired following re-evaluation over the next few years.

The NICE business plan adds that technologies which remain recommended will be prioritised by ability to “maximise population health…expand access to treatments [and release] cost savings”.

The 10-Year Health Plan will also seek to address variation in prescribing practice across the country by proposing the creation of a “single national formulary” (SNF) by 2028. This is intended to replace the local formularies which the plan says “do not make sense” in the context of ensuring patients receive consistent, high-quality care across the country, HSJ understands.

The plan, due to be published tomorrow, will also confirm that some digital technologies approved by NICE will be nationally reimbursed.

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Source: HSJ, 2 July 2025