NHS deems drug 'Enhertu' too pricey for widespread use
Thousands of women with breast cancer in the UK are set to be denied access to a life-extending drug known as Enhertu. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has concluded that the cost of the medication, demanded by pharmaceutical companies, is not deemed cost-effective for the NHS.
Trials show drug could add six months of survival
Trials have indicated that Enhertu has the potential to extend the survival of women with advanced breast cancer by up to six months. However, negotiations between the NHS and drug manufacturers AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo have not resulted in an agreement due to cost concerns.
Charity voices concern over denial of access
Baroness Delyth Morgan from Breast Cancer Now expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that many women could be missing out on a treatment that could be a lifeline for them. The charity estimates that around 1,000 women in England could benefit from the drug annually.
Drug targets specific type of breast cancer
Enhertu, also known as trastuzumab deruxtecan, is designed to target a specific type of breast cancer known as HER2-low. While the drug costs around £10,000 per patient per month in the US, the NHS has the ability to negotiate lower prices for medications.
Manufacturers criticize decision-making process
The drug manufacturers have criticized Nice's decision-making process, accusing the organization of changing its evaluation criteria for new medicines. They argue that patients in England and Wales are now facing a "postcode lottery" in terms of accessing this potentially life-saving treatment.
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