The role of national agencies in the managed introduction of new drugs for arthritis.

The role of the various agencies involved in the managed introduction of new drugs in the United Kingdom is discussed, particularly with regard to the work of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The process by which the National Health Service in the UK identifies key new drug technologies of major clinical, financial and service significance is discussed. This includes the decision making process for selection of products for appraisal by NICE.