In June 2022, NHS England (NHSE) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) launched the Innovative Medicines Fund (IMF). The £340 million fund will provide non-cancer patients access to cutting-edge treatments that still have uncertainties at the time of launch and promotes the UK as an attractive launch destination. The IMF was launched one month before the NHS shifted to a whole system approach, through the formal implementation of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). “Any focus on improving patient access to innovative medicines – especially for rare and ultra-rare diseases – is extremely welcome,” said Sean Richardson, VP and general manager UK & Ireland, Alexion during a recent pharmaphorum webinar . Joining Richardson in an IQVIA-sponsored discussion on the opportunities and challenges of the IMF in the context of the ‘new’ NHS, were: Mohammed Asghar, Associate Director of Pharmacy: Prescribing Governance, Frimley Health; Jay Hamilton, programme director, industry partnerships, Health Innovation Manchester Academic Health Science Network; Angela McFarlane, vice president, strategic planning, Northern Europe, IQVIA; Nina Pinwill, head of commercial operations, NHS England; and Thomas Strong, interim associate director, managed access, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Parity of opportunity for patients The IMF is […]