Find out about fees for the ISA service
Published 20 February 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/get-more-help-to-apply-for-medicines-integrated-scientific-advice-isa/find-out-about-fees-for-the-isa-service
Overall charges
Initial payment
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will initially charge the company 70% of the Integrated Scientific Advice fee when the project agreement is signed.
Outstanding balance payment
The outstanding balance (30%) will be charged upon completion of the project services.
Cancelations and delays
There will be a fixed charge if the project is postponed or cancelled after the signing of the agreement. If the company delays work so that the project services cannot go ahead on the dates stipulated in the contract, the fixed charge will also apply.
MHRA SME fee reduction
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) applying for a SME fee reduction must use the MHRA approval letter for SME payment reduction (opens in new tab).
How costs for the service are calculated
The total cost of the advice will combine the charge from both the MHRA and NICE. The cost of the service is determined by:
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the level of complexity
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the number of questions asked
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the number of external experts involved
NICE will initially provide a cost estimate based on range pricing. This range is narrowed if sufficient information is available at the outset. Following receipt of the completed briefing book, the scope of the work will be finalised with you, and a fixed cost agreed for completion of the project.
MHRA wavers and exemptions
A waiver from MHRA scientific advice fees is available to UK based SME’s as set out in the Human Medicines (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. The MHRA Fees Regulations provide an option for ‘small companies’ to apply for payment easement.
‘Small companies’ are defined by section 382 (3) of the Companies Act 2006 (as amended).
How to pay your invoice
You will receive an invoice via email once the application has been submitted, reviewed and costs calculated. You will need to pay your invoice within 30 days of receiving it.
The invoice will be sent to the details provided in the finance contact section of the application form.
Intellectual property rights
MHRA and NICE reserve the rights to retain and own the information produced during this service so that they may improve the service process for future users. You retain your data and IP relating to the product. As public sector entities we comply with Freedom of Information rights. The contract will protect your data in the safest way but also allow the MHRA and NICE to perform public duties.
Further information and get in touch
Further information
Request Integrated Scientific Advice
See detailed guidance on Integrated Scientific Advice
See supplementary information on the ISA service