Bimekizumab for treating axial spondyloarthritis

Section 7 of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Constitution and Functions) and the Health and Social Care Information Centre (Functions) Regulations 2013 requires clinical commissioning groups, NHS England and, with respect to their public health functions, local authorities to comply with the recommendations in this appraisal within 3 months of its date of publication. Because bimekizumab has been recommended through the cost comparison process, NHS England and commissioning groups have agreed to provide funding to implement this guidance 30 days after publication.

The Welsh ministers have issued directions to the NHS in Wales on implementing NICE technology appraisal guidance. When a NICE technology appraisal recommends the use of a drug or treatment, or other technology, the NHS in Wales must usually provide funding and resources for it within 2 months of the first publication of the final appraisal document.

When NICE recommends a treatment 'as an option', the NHS must make sure it is available within the period set out in the paragraphs above. This means that, if a patient has axial spondyloarthritis and the doctor responsible for their care thinks that bimekizumab is the right treatment, it should be available for use, in line with NICE's recommendations.