16.05.12
NICE approves rejected cancer drug after price drop
Cancer charities have hailed a “resounding triumph” after a drug that extends life for people with advanced prostate cancer was approved for NHS use in England, after NICE reversed its earlier decision to reject it for not being value-for-money.
But after the manufacturer cut the price of abiraterone – it had been around £3,000 a month – by an undisclosed amount, NICE said it can now be used by the NHS inEngland. It is already funded by the Welsh Government and through the Cancer Drugs Fund inEngland, but the Scottish Medicines Consortium has not approved it.
NICE chief executive Sir Andrew Dillon said: “During the consultation on the draft guidance, Janssen, the manufacturer of the drug, submitted further information for the committee to consider. This included a revised patient access scheme which involves providing the drug to the NHS at a discounted price; further information on which patients would benefit most and clarification on how many patients could receive the drug.”
But Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer ResearchUK, also credited the public and charity reaction to the initial decision with the rethink.
He said: “This is wonderful news for patients with advanced prostate cancer and, in part, this U-turn is down to the public's disappointment at the initial refusal.
“People’s donations have allowed Cancer ResearchUKto fund the discovery and early development of abiraterone – now they’ve also helped to ensure prostate cancer patients get access to this important treatment by making their voices heard.”
Janssen said it had gone to “significant lengths” to find a solution.
Owen Sharp from The Prostate Cancer Charity said: “This announcement represents a resounding triumph for each of the thousands of men with advanced prostate cancer inEnglandandWaleswho know just how much the prospect of precious extra time with their loved ones really means.”
Final approval should come next month.
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