Problem drinkers in England and Wales could soon benefit from a new drug to reduce their dependency on alcohol.

Nalmefene (Selincro) is an opioid receptor modulator, manufactured by Lundbeck, which reduces the urge to drink alcohol when taken once daily. Costing just over £3 per dose, NICE has concluded that the tablet, which is already available in Scotland, is costeffective and should be prescribed alongside psychosocial support to help people reduce their alcohol consumption. Final guidance on the use of nalmefene is expected next month.