The NHS Work Programme plays a vital role in ensuring patients across the UK gain access to innovative and effective treatments. Through a rigorous evaluation process, the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group (CPAG) reviews therapies and interventions, deciding which should be funded and commissioned by the NHS. This blog explores the NHS Work Programme’s role in expanding access to new therapies, highlights key treatments under review, and explains how CPAG’s process ensures value-based healthcare.
The NHS Work Programme: Expanding Access to Innovation
The NHS Work Programme evaluates potential treatments across a range of conditions, offering hope to patients with limited options. Some of the therapies currently under review include:
- Vismodegib for Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma – A less invasive treatment that may reduce the need for disfiguring surgery.
- Immunoglobulin Therapy for Capillary Leak Syndrome – A life-saving treatment for a rare, severe condition.
- Bortezomib for Acute Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) – A therapy aimed at improving survival rates in a life-threatening blood disorder.
- Palbociclib for Metastatic Breast Cancer – A drug that may extend progression-free survival in patients.
- Mepolizumab for Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia – Offering relief for patients with severe respiratory conditions.
- Elosulfase Alfa for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA – An enzyme replacement therapy that could slow disease progression in a rare genetic disorder.
- Irinotecan for Recurrent Gastric Adenocarcinoma – A chemotherapy option for patients with limited treatments.
- Obinutuzumab for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – A promising treatment for patients with severe, treatment-resistant lupus.
- Pertuzumab for HER2-positive Breast Cancer – A combination therapy aimed at reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Understanding the CPAG Process
CPAG plays a key role in ensuring only the most clinically effective and cost-efficient treatments are adopted by the NHS. The process includes several stages:
- Clinical and Economic Evaluation – CPAG assesses the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of each therapy, analysing clinical trial data and real-world evidence.
- Prioritisation – Treatments are ranked based on clinical need, patient impact, and cost-effectiveness, with priority given to those addressing severe conditions with limited alternatives.
- Public Consultation – Some treatments undergo a public consultation to gather input from healthcare professionals, patient groups, and the public.
- Commissioning Decision – Approved treatments are added to the NHS’s funded therapy list, making them available to patients.
Why the CPAG Process is Essential
With limited resources, the NHS must ensure that every treatment it adopts provides real value. CPAG’s structured, evidence-based approach ensures that new therapies improve patient outcomes while delivering cost-effective care. For example, Palbociclib for metastatic breast cancer and Mepolizumab for chronic eosinophilic pneumonia have shown promising clinical results but must be carefully evaluated for their impact on both patient health and NHS budgets.
The NHS Work Party’s Support for CPAG
The NHS Work Party, a multidisciplinary team, supports CPAG by identifying clinical priorities, coordinating evaluations, and engaging stakeholders. They ensure evidence-based decision-making and help implement approved treatments across the NHS, guiding how therapies should be used and monitoring their long-term impact on patient outcomes.
In summary, the NHS Work Programme, alongside CPAG, ensures that patients in the UK receive access to innovative treatments that are both clinically effective and cost-efficient, transforming patient care while safeguarding NHS resources.