NESPI

National Expert Group for Innovative Treatment of Neurological Diseases

The National Expert Group on Innovative Treatments for Neurological Diseases (NESPI) has been established within the National Institute for Neurological Research (NEUR-IN)

The group is composed of leading experts who focus on modern treatment of neurological diseases, but also experts from related fields such as ethics, economics, legislation and representatives of patient organisations. The work of the expert group will result not only in providing a source of information on the availability and safety of the treatment, but also in its ethical and transparent implementation.

Documents

Main objectives

Objective 1

Collection of literature related to innovative treatment from foreign and Czech media, creation and regular updating of a database of registered drugs within the framework of innovative treatment in the Czech Republic and worldwide, prediction of the course of development of treatment of neurological diseases in the next five years.

Objective 2

Description of current procedures and pitfalls in implementing innovative treatments into clinical practice, proposal for setting up the ideal procedure for registering innovative treatments and their availability for patients, also based on experience from abroad.

Objective 3

Definition of risks and proposal of an overall position on the issue for future discussions regarding the ethical and economic impacts of treatment, from the perspective of patients and their families, the general public, taxpayers and legislators.

Main activities

Creation and management of a web portal to collect information on innovative treatments of neurological diseases in Czech and foreign sources, monitoring of modern trends in the treatment of neurological diseases (e.g. gene therapy) and monitoring their development.
Analysis of current procedures and challenges in the introduction of innovative therapies into clinical practice, including the proposal of an optimal registration model (inspired by foreign experience) and ensuring the availability of therapies for patients,
Identification of risks and formulation of a comprehensive position on issues related to the ethical, legislative and economic implications of the introduction of innovative treatments. This approach reflects the perspectives of patients, their loved ones, the professional and lay public, payers and legislators.

NESPI as a key national advisory body to public authorities and a link between stakeholders – professionals, patients, their families, the public, officials – involved in the implementation of innovative treatments in practice.
Collaboration on public and media education and communication, providing credible and relevant information to the professional and lay public and government institutions.
Participation in meetings of professional and expert platforms, including discussions with regulators, industry and the public, particularly where expertise in the field of innovative therapies is required.