Independent report

Independent review of Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS)

Recommendations to build on achievements of Early Access to Medicines Scheme and improve adoption of innovative medicines across the NHS.

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The Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) aims to give patients with life threatening or seriously debilitating conditions access to medicines that do not yet have a marketing authorisation when there is a clear unmet medical need.

The review highlights that since its launch in April 2014, EAMS has received 18 applications, approved 5 products and provided early access to innovative medicines for over 500 patients in the UK.

Following extensive engagement with stakeholders, this review makes 7 recommendations that build on what EAMS has achieved so far. The recommendations will help accelerate adoption of these innovative medicines across the NHS and, in the long term, align EAMS with the early access and managed access pathways being developed as part of the Accelerated Access Review.

Published 22 March 2016