From April 2026, NICE’s cost-effectiveness threshold has risen from £20,000–£30,000 to £25,000–£35,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. This is the first increase in the threshold since NICE was established. The change was linked to the UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal and forms part of a broader commitment to invest around 25% more in innovative medicines. Government modelling suggests the increase could enable three to five additional medicines or indications to be recommended for NHS use each year.1
Blueteq comment: A broader pipeline of NICE-approved medicines means more forms, more approvals, and more invoice-matching activity. Commissioners already using Blueteq will be well placed to absorb new medicines quickly; those managing approvals by email and spreadsheet will face growing pressure as the number of mandated treatments increases
