Country Correspondents: Aisha Gomez and Molly Fitzgerald
The U.K. government has announced plans to launch a fast-track route — up to four years earlier — for patients to receive “breakthrough” therapies and treatments for conditions such as cancer, dementia, and diabetes. Starting in April 2018, the accelerated pathway will classify a number of new medical treatments and devices each year as having breakthrough potential. These treatments will receive fast-track evaluation and financial approval for coverage under the National Health Service (NHS). The program also will establish a new Strategic Commercial Unit tasked with negotiating cost-effective deals with manufacturers. The program will provide £86 million over four years to support fast-track approvals as well as research and development for small and midsized life science firms.
