OBJECTIVES: The retrieval of studies containing evidence of health state utility values (HSUVs) is currently problematic using generic bibliographic databases such as Medline. This is due to a lack of standardised search vocabulary and inadequate and inconsistent indexing. The objective of this project is to develop a bibliographic database providing access to details of research studies containing health state utility values generated using the EQ-5D and other preference-based instruments. METHODS: The initial phase of the project has focussed on the EQ-5D. An alpha version of the database was created using Mendeley reference management software. A corpus of potentially relevant studies was identified by searching Medline and by sifting the reference lists of systematic reviews of HSUVs in a range of diseases and conditions. The sifting of retrieved studies is an ongoing process. Studies are included in the database if they contain estimates of HSUVs. The names of instruments used in the studies, including and in addition to the EQ-5D, are extracted and added to the database record to create a searchable index of instruments. A beta version of the database, using bespoke software to improve functionality, is currently undergoing ad hoc testing.  RESULTS: The alpha version of the database contains over 3,500 potentially relevant studies identified by the search process. Several hundred studies have been data extracted and indexed. The names of over 50 instruments, including quality of life, disease specific and generic preference-based measures have been added to the index. A programme of sifting, data extraction and indexing is ongoing. Public access to the beta version of the database is planned for Autumn 2013. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of the health utilities database is to improve access to HSUV evidence, in the first instance in studies using the EQ-5D with a view to including all major preference-based utility measures.