Asbestos Drug Delayed in Northern Ireland
Pharmaceutical International has today discovered how patients in Northern Ireland with a certain form of asbestos-related cancer may be denied treatment until the NHS approves the sole drug that they can be prescribed. This decision is not expected until the end of 2009, but may not happen at all.
Among protestors, today's reaction to the news was one of "extreme disappointment", as it became clear that Northern Ireland would be the last in line to receive Alimta - a specialised drug capable of treating cases of mesothelioma. This is in spite of Belfast's standing as one of nine prime areas for the onset of the fatal lung condition, due to its ship manufacturing heritage. In Londonderry also, cases of mesothelioma are potentially rife, especially in the more industrial parts.
Mesothelioma is a strikingly aggressive form of cancer, typically killing its sufferers within 12 months of being diagnosed. Caused by a subject's exposure to asbestos, its onset can occur up to 60 years after the encounter took place, but generally around 40 years. On an annual basis, mesothelioma claims around 50 people in Northern Ireland - a figure anticipated to rise, peaking by 2015.
While Alimta cannot cure the disease, it can improve the quality of life enjoyed by mesothelioma patients. A further benefit is that it can additionally extend life-span.
Since 2005, Alimta has been available on the Scottish equivalent of the NHS. However, the remainder of the UK has not been so fortunate. The difference is so marked in Northern Ireland because, unlike Britain, no drug authority exists. Consequently, it might be two years before patients in Northern Ireland are able to reap its benefits.
In response, one campaigner urged for a reversal decision, stating: "This is an incredibly aggressive disease and people who have been diagnosed with it generally have about a year to live - they just don't have time to wait for a year or two years. It seems a very unfair way to treat mesothelioma sufferers. It's very hard to explain to patients and their families that there is a drug available that can help - but it isn't funded here. I would urge the Department of Health to make a special case of this drug and make it available as soon as possible."
One ray of hope on the horizon appeared in July, when the National institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), contrary to previous statements, proposed that funding would be provided for Alimta. Its ultimate decision is now expected next month.
Very sadly, rulings made by NICE are not applicable in Northern Ireland. However, due to the body's connection with the Irish Department of Health, their effects do eventually trickle over. The timescale for such development, however, can be anything up to 24 months. Therefore, based on the NICE judgment providing Alimta with a positive outcome, Irish mesothelioma sufferers cannot expect to receive the drug until 2009.
Detailing the situation further, a Department of Health spokeswoman stated: "When Nice publishes its final guidance on Alimta, it will be assessed locally and the Department will issue advice to the health service on its applicability to Northern Ireland. Where Nice guidance is not yet endorsed for implementation in the health service, the onus rests on the health and social services boards to provide the necessary local guidance on availability of a particular drug or treatment."
Pharmaceutical International will continue to provide unequalled coverage of the situation concerning Alimta as we get the facts.
Source - Pharmaceutical International's Regional Correspondent
Recent related News Item:
