NHS funding available to support roll out of approved rapid uptake innovations

The Rapid Uptake Products (RUP) programme has been designed to speed up the time it takes to get new technologies from the lab to patients in the NHS

The AHSN network is supporting the NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative to help NHS organisations overcome practical obstacles and increase adoption of rapid uptake products (RUPs).

These proven innovations are approved by NICE and have been selected as products that support the NHS Long Term Plan’s key clinical priorities but have lower than expected uptake to date.

The Pathway Transformation Fund (PTF) is available to provide financial support to integrate these products into everyday practice and address issues such as pathway redesign, training staff on how to use new equipment or establishing new data collection methods.

Applications for funding opened on 4 January 2021, and the deadline has been extended until 30 April 2021 in recognition on pressures on healthcare services amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Health Innovation East is happy to support local NHS partners in their applications for funding, which will be reviewed by the NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative as they are received to manage capacity within the review process, so it is encouraged that applications are entered as soon as they are ready. Results will be fed back to applicants in May.

Rapid uptake products 2020/21

Lipid Management: High Intensity Statins, ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors

The Rapid Uptake Product (RUP) for lipid management is a novel, NICE-approved clinical pathway. This innovation aims to improve a person’s lipid profile, by reducing cholesterol concentration in blood by treating patients with the right medicine along the evidence-based pathway. The pathway includes three medicines: high intensity statins (HIST), ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors (continued from 2019/20).

Measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) concentration in asthma: products NIOX VERO and NObreath

FeNO testing is a method of diagnosing asthma by measuring fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the breath of patients suspected of having asthma. The aim of this innovation will be to improve patient care and outcomes by more effective diagnosis of patients suspected of having asthma.

Biologics for treating severe asthma: reslizumab, benralizumab, mepolizumab and omalizumab

Biological therapies can transform patient lives by reducing long-term side effects of other treatments (e.g. oral corticosteroids (OCS)) and can also reduce the number of exacerbations and life-threatening asthma attacks. The aim of this innovation will be to improve patient care and outcomes by providing a better treatment option for patients with severe asthma.