The UK Department of Health has agreed to revamp the drug appraisal process used by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence so it becomes more ‘politically accountable.’ As a result, NICE will allow independent advisors on its board, InPharm reports. The move comes after the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry urged UK health secretary Andrew Lansley to alter the balance of influence between industry and academic advisers. “Policy is made a long way from political accountability and the NICE Executive appears to have no remit or desire to challenge the decisions of independent academics. The burden of proof is currently absolutely on industry and academic purity can override pragmatism,” according to a recent letter the ABPI sent to the UK health department, which was reported by Pulse.
