Victims of asbestos related diseases banned access to drug Alimta
26/06/2006
Thank you for all your time and excellent work and rest assured that if myself or family or friends require any legal help in the future I will refer them to yourselves.
Michael, Crawley
Patients suffering from mesothelioma - an asbestos related cancer - in England and Wales will no longer be offered the drug Alimta (pemetrexed disodium) following NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommendations.
A specialist lung consultant at the Christie Hospital NHS Trust in Manchester said some patients will be left worse off as a result of the decision.
He said that Alimta was a very useful treatment option for mesothelioma sufferers, and that the decision was contrary to scientific evidence.
The manufacturer of the drug, Eli Lilly, said it would appeal against the decision.
Specialist asbestos solicitor Gina Heather said:
"This is a big shame for mesothelioma sufferers. It is clearly a decision made on cost, and not one which is in the patient's best interest."
"Alimta can help to prolong life, and improve the quality of life in the time mesothelioma sufferers have left. It is a great shame that patients will now be denied access to this drug and the benefits it brings."
Mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs. It is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos dust.
Asbestos claims are expected to peak in around 2020.
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