Asbestos danger Home | News & events | Legal updates | Mesothelioma sufferers face Alimta drug dispute

Mesothelioma sufferers face Alimta drug dispute

07 January 2010

Alimta, a drug that extends the life expectancy of mesothelioma sufferers, is currently available on the NHS - but the decision to make it available is being challenged.

The anti-cancer chemotherapy drug can help sufferers live longer and ease their symptoms, but cannot cure a person with malignant mesothelioma.

Most sufferers of mesothelioma will have contracted the disease through exposure to asbestos, for example at their place of work or in a public building where asbestos was present.  Exposure may have occurred many years ago.

Early in 2007 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) said the drug was not cost effective.  However, following successful lobbying that decision was overturned, and Alimta was made available on the NHS.

Now, though, two appeals have been lodged against that decision, in an attempt to have the NHS stop paying for the drug. If they succeed, sufferers will no longer have NHS access to Alimta.

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and sufferers often have a very short life expectancy. Is it right to deny them access to a drug that may extend their life?

© Shoosmiths. This page is for general information: it is not legal advice. Please read our full terms and conditions for details of the disclaimers and exclusions which apply.

Get in touch

Sara Hunt

Associate
T: 03700 86 4221
I: +44 (0)121 625 4221
E: sara.hunt@shoosmiths.co.uk