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<p>It is crucial that patients have access to the most effective and innovative medicines
at a price that represents value to the National Health Service. While Ministers are
keeping a very close eye on negotiations, it is the responsibility of NHS England
as the commissioner and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
as the independent body that is responsible for making recommendations on whether
drugs and other treatments represent a clinically and cost-effective use of NHS resources,
to work with Vertex to agree a deal to secure the best outcome for patients and a
price for Orkambi that is fair and responsible.</p><p> </p><p>NHS England has proposed
its best offer ever for a drug. This offer, in the region of £500 million over five
years, is the largest ever commitment of its kind in the 70-year history of the NHS.
This would guarantee immediate and expanded access to both Orkambi and the drug Kalydeco
for patients who need it. Whilst it is disappointing that Vertex has not taken up
NHS England’s offer, we are pleased to hear that it has responded positively to NHS
England’s and NICE’s latest offer to meet. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
for Health (Lord O’Shaughnessy), the Secretary of State for Health (Rt. hon. Matt
Hancock MP) and I have and continue to urge Vertex to reconsider this fair offer.</p>
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