ROS comments on NICE delay around review into use of non-bisphosphonates

Yesterday, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced a delay to the process around approving the use of non-bisphosphonates for osteoporosis patients living in England and Wales. 

Chair of the Royal Osteoporosis Society Clinical Committee, Dr Nicola Peel said:

“While we understand the rationale behind the announcement from NICE, the delay in this review is clearly very disappointing. We hope the proposed plan moves forward at pace because we’re concerned about growing disparities in access to treatment for people living in different parts of the UK. 

The recent approval by the Scottish Medicines Consortium of the use of Romosozumab adds to the imperative for NICE to reach a decision about access to this new treatment for people living in England and Wales.  Our aim is that there should be equitable access to high-quality, evidence-based and cost-effective medication for everyone living with osteoporosis, regardless of where they live.  

We’ve offered the review team access to our clinical expertise and volunteers if it would help to expedite the process in the interests of patients.”