Pharmaceuticals will have to maintain free treatment

Pharmaceutical companies are required to continue providing free treatments to patients after clinical trials end, according to a new regulation. This provision remains until the drugs are available in the market and accessible through the National Health Service. The regulation, signed by Health Secretary Ana Povo, implements EU directives from 2014 and specifies that companies must cover costs unless the drug is approved for public use or under exceptional circumstances. If a request for public availability is denied, companies must still ensure free supply to patients. The decision for continued treatment is based on clinical evaluation and must be outlined in the trial protocol.