Glecaprevir–pibrentasvir for treating chronic hepatitis C

4.1 Section 7(6) 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 glecaprevir–pibrentasvir has been available through the Early Access to Medicines Scheme, NHS England and commissioning groups have committed to providing funding to implement this guidance 30 days after publication.

4.2 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 determination.

4.3 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 hepatitis C and the doctor responsible for their care thinks that glecaprevir–pibrentasvir is the right treatment, it should be available for use, in line with NICE's recommendations.

4.4 The contract prices used for decision-making in this appraisal are the relevant prices that the NHS pays for glecaprevir–pibrentasvir. These are based on contract pricing arrangements between the company and the Commercial Medicines Unit. The contract prices are commercial in confidence. Any enquiries from NHS organisations about the contract prices used in this appraisal should be directed to the Commercial Medicines Unit.