Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Prime Minister's Answer of 15 November 2023 to Question 900077, Official Report, column 645, how her Department plans to facilitate discussions between key stakeholders in the NICE process of appraisal of treatments for people with cystic fibrosis.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is an independent body and is responsible for leading engagement with interested parties in the development of its recommendations on medicines. NICE has recently published draft guidance for consultation on the use of Orkambi, Symkevi and Kaftrio for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and stakeholders now have an opportunity to comment on NICE’s recommendations. NICE continues to work with stakeholders to address the issues highlighted by the committee in the draft guidance. The Department has no plans to facilitate discussions and encourages the company to continue to engage in the NICE appraisal process.