BMJ-TAG conducts health research on new drugs to establish whether they should be available to patients on the NHS. We contribute to policy development and are revolutionising patient treatment through independent assessments and health economic analyses.
Our team of highly skilled clinical evidence analysts and health economists have specialist expertise in:
Our research supports the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other UK policymakers in their efforts to improve health outcomes. Through rigorous and independent evaluation, we assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency of novel medicines, advanced medical devices, and diagnostic tests. Based on this evidence, we recommend whether these technologies should be adopted for use within NHS treatments, ensuring that decisions are grounded in sound science and value for money.
Much of our work involves Single Technology Appraisals (STAs), where we produce independent reports on health technologies proposed for NHS use. These reports draw on evidence from pharmaceutical companies, relevant stakeholders, and existing published research. Our findings support NICE Appraisal Committees as they make informed decisions and recommendations to the Department of Health and Social Care. This work is funded through the Technology Assessment Review (TAR) programme, which is managed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis Programme through their Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre (NETSCC).
BMJ-TAG’s research has enabled the following positive results
What we do
Fast-track technology appraisals (FTA)
Highly specialised technology appraisals (HST)
Diagnostics assessment reviews (DAR)
Multiple technology appraisals (MTA)
Commissioned critical appraisals
Guidance forms
Our work
What we do daily has revolutionised the treatment of patients by the UK’s NHS
In 2021, we independently assessed the use of new treatments for ovarian cancer and other life-threatening conditions. Our independent assessment approved the use of niraparib for ovarian cancer by the eligible population in England, and NICE subsequently recommended it.
In April 2022, following another TAG independent assessment, elosulfase alfa was approved for NHS use by NICE to treat mucopolysaccharidosis Type IV A (MPS IVA). We expect this to start in children from around three years old and will be lifelong. Left untreated, MPS IVA can cause skeletal abnormalities, respiratory symptoms, pain, fatigue, and reduced life expectancy.
The Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases (MPS Society) considers elosulfase alfa to be ‘life-changing,’ with one parent reporting that:
“My son Sam has been receiving Vimizim [elosulfase alfa] for almost ten years. He does not suffer from fatigue. He does not routinely have any pain. He is 13 [now] but is still very mobile and independent. Vimizim has had an incredible impact on his life, his quality of life, and his independence.”
Elosulfase alfa is likely to slow disease progression and delay the onset of symptoms. It also improves children’s quality of life by preserving lung function and improving endurance. However, it is still highly uncertain if it extends life compared to non-treatment.
The company offered a substantial discount on the drug’s retail price, resulting in a significant cost saving for the NHS.
This year’s work has included several ‘me too’ drugs
These drugs are as safe and effective as other NHS options but cost less. Their value lies in the savings achieved for the taxpayer. Our team independently assessed two new treatments for diabetic macular oedema (dexamethasone and brolucizumab), a condition that can cause blindness.
BMJ-TAG is also called on to conduct its own research
This may occur when several new options need to be compared with current practice. This year, BMJ-TAG looked at three treatments for severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents and adults. As a result of our work, all three were approved.
“These new treatment options offer hope to patients who have exhausted all available treatments and have the potential to improve a patient’s quality of life.”
The Eczema Outreach Support group
Patient groups commenting on the appraisal highlighted the debilitating nature of severe atopic dermatitis. The condition goes beyond uncontrollable and persistent itching and can have detrimental effects on a person’s mental health and self-confidence.
