UK NHS Rejects Breast Cancer Drug Due to High Price

NHS Watchdog Refuses Last-Ditch Drug

A breast cancer drug, Enhertu, has been formally rejected by the NHS watchdog due to its high asking price. In clinical trials, Enhertu added months or even years to the lives of women with incurable breast cancer that had spread.

Campaigners Protest Outside Parliament

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha expressed her heartbreak over the decision, while campaigners staged a topless protest outside the Houses of Parliament in July. Health chiefs have been in disputes with manufacturers over the drug's cost.

Manufacturer's Response

The makers of Enhertu, Daichii Sankyo and AstraZeneca, claim they offered a secret deal cheaper than what the NHS in Scotland pays. They argue that a change to England's value for money calculations has disadvantaged patients.

Outrage Over Rejection

Campaigners, including charity Breast Cancer Now and Nadia Sawalha, are furious about the rejection. They believe that 1,000 more women a year could benefit from the drug if it were approved for HER2-low secondary breast cancer.

Seeking Reversal of Decision

Rachael Franklin of Breast Cancer Now expressed devastation and anger over the decision, stating that women's lives will be shortened due to the failure to reach a solution. The aim is to see this decision reversed to provide hope and access to more time for patients.

Manufacturer's Disappointment

A spokesman for Daichii Sankyo expressed disappointment with the decision, highlighting that the classification of HER2-low metastatic breast cancer as 'medium severity' hinders patient access. They remain committed to finding a way forward with NICE.

NICE's Response

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, expressed deep disappointment over the inability to recommend Enhertu for use in the NHS. Despite offering flexibility, no new price was presented by the companies, leading to the rejection.