NICE Technology Appraisals

NICE published final draft guidance on 3 September 2026 recommending mirdametinib (Ezmekly®) for the treatment of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated plexiform neurofibromas in children and young people aged 2–17 years who require systemic therapy.1 Mirdametinib is a MEK inhibitor indicated where tumours are not amenable to surgery. The eligible population in England is approximately 200 […]

NICE Technology Appraisals — August 2026 

On 6 August 2026, NICE recommended acalabrutinib (Calquence®, AstraZeneca) in two combination regimens for first-line treatment of blood cancers. Acalabrutinib plus bendamustine and rituximab was recommended for adults with untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant, with approximately 350 patients expected to benefit. Acalabrutinib plus venetoclax (without obinutuzumab) was recommended […]

UK–US Trade Agreement and July Developments

UK–US Trade Agreement and July Developments On 2 July 2026, the Department of Health announced a series of fast-track drug access pilots from September 2026. 1 These pilots add to the cost pressures brought about by the NICE cost-effectiveness threshold increase to £25,000–£35,000 per QALY which took effect in April 2026, and the commitment under the […]