Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global challenge. There have been few new antimicrobials discovered since the 1980s and the ones we already have are often used inappropriately.
Research to develop novel antibiotics has in recent years been seen as commercially unattractive due to limited use of any new antimicrobials and associated poor return on investment.
NICE is working with NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) to test a new health technology evaluation process and a new payment model. This project will look at two antimicrobial products, an existing antimicrobial, ceftazidime with avibactam (manufactured by Pfizer) and an antimicrobial that is new to the market, cefiderocol (manufactured by Shionogi). This will mean the payments made to companies are based on the value to the NHS and not directly linked to the volumes sold.
The project will test the new model while ensuring access to the antimicrobials.
Full details of the pilot are available here.
AWTTC is a commentator organisation in the NICE/NHSE&I pilot process. Whilst the pilot is ongoing AWMSG will not issue any further advice for these products. AWMSG has published a Statement of Advice in the absence of a submission from the holder of the marketing authorisation for ceftazidime/avibactam (AWMSG reference number 2181) and cefiderocol has been excluded due to NICE Antimicrobial Health Technology Evaluation (AWMSG reference number 3738). The pilot is expected to be completed in early 2022.
AWTTC advise that during the pilot period use of these medicines for individual patients should be considered through local Health Board processes.