Access Reform Debate

An Irish Times opinion piece in early April 2026, written in response to the NCPE’s rejection of omaveloxolone (Skyclarys®) for Friedreich’s ataxia in Ireland, articulated the tension in the reimbursement system: that cost-effectiveness judgements exist to protect population health, not simply to contain spending. The NCPE concluded there was a zero per cent chance of […]

NICE QALY Threshold Increase — In Effect from April 2026

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. […]