The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has announced its Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) on tenofovir disoproxil for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: "Tenofovir disoproxil, within its marketing authorisation, is recommended as an option for the treatment of people with chronic HBeAg-positive or HBeAg-negative hepatitis B in whom antiviral treatment is indicated".

Two patient/carer representatives of the Hepatitis B Foundation UK attended the Appraisal Committee meeting and were given good opportunities to contribute to the discussion. In the FAD it is evident that the Committee had listened to the voice of these representatives: "The Committee heard from the patient experts that tenofovir isoproxil was well tolerated with few adverse effects. The patient experts also explained that treatments which are associated with a low risk of viral resistance would increase peace of mind and hence quality of life".

Tenofovir disoproxil is a very important new treatment option for chronic hepatitis B and Hepatitis B Foundation UK is delighted that NICE has approved it for use on the NHS.