The UK's controversial drug pricing deal with the US has sparked a legal battle, with campaigners threatening to take the government to court. The deal, which aims to ensure tariff-free pharmaceutical exports to the US for three years, has raised concerns about the potential loss of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)'s independence. NICE, a respected body that decides which drugs the NHS should buy, could be overridden by the health secretary, allowing them to set prices for certain medicines without independent judgment. This move has been labeled an "unlawful power grab" by campaign groups Global Justice Now and Just Treatment, who argue that it undermines the NHS's ability to manage drug prices effectively. The statutory instrument, which came into force last month, grants ministers the power to overrule NICE, a body renowned for its independence from political control. The campaigners are demanding a judicial review of the legality of this change, warning that it could lead to higher prices for NHS patients. The issue has sparked concern among MPs from various parties, who have criticized the secrecy surrounding the deal and the government's refusal to release its impact assessment or provide details in parliamentary questions. The government, however, argues that the deal will bring innovative medicines to the NHS and benefit patients, ensuring that drug exports remain tariff-free for three years. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) emphasized that NICE's independence will be protected, and it will continue to provide guidance and recommendations free from political interference. They also highlighted the potential for life-changing treatments, such as a recently approved brain cancer drug for young patients. Despite the government's defense, the legal challenge continues, with campaigners determined to defend the NHS and democracy, and MPs expressing concerns about the deal's potential impact on the healthcare system.
