Wales seeks to facilitate access to ‘orphan drugs’

The Welsh government has taken steps to speed up access for patients to “orphan” drugs that the NHS in Wales hasn't approved for general use.

Orphan and ultra-orphan drugs are developed specifically for rare conditions and are subject to an appraisal process involving the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group.

Delays in NICE’s appraisal can cause delays in a patient being granted access to novel drugs. But under the new arrangements, AWMSG will be able to make interim appraisals to make advice more readily available to health boards.