Resource impact statement
NICE has recommended difelikefalin within its marketing authorisation, for treating moderate to severe pruritus in adults with chronic kidney disease having in-centre haemodialysis. Difelikefalin is only recommended if the company provides it according to the commercial arrangement (see section 2 of guidance).
Evidence from clinical trials shows that difelikefalin reduces itching compared with established clinical management.
We expect the resource impact of implementing the recommendations in England will be less than £5 million per year (or approximately £8,800 per 100,000 population, based on a population for England of 56.6 million people).
This is because the cost of treatment is relatively low.
There are no capacity concerns expected as a result of treatment with difelikefalin as it is administered at the same time as having dialysis.
Difelikefalin has a discount that is commercial in confidence. It is the company’s responsibility to let relevant NHS organisations know details of the discount.
This technology is commissioned by NHS England. Providers are NHS hospital trusts.
The payment mechanism for the technology is determined by the responsible commissioner and depends on the technology being classified as high cost.
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