August 1st, 2007

Members of Parliament in the UK said that they will fight to try and ensure that the cancer treatment drug Alimta is made available in the UK for those suffering with the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma. The drug, used in combination with another drug, has been shown to slightly extend the lifespan of patients.

The National Centre for Clinical Excellence in the UK had previously stated that Alimta would not be made available because the cost of the drug could no be justified. This outraged campaigners and mesothelioma sufferers alike, and MPs are now planning to try and push for the introduction of the drug.

One woman that was rallying for support from MPs attended a recent meeting and stated: “The meeting went very well and there was a lot of interest from MPs, health professionals and the pharmaceutical companies. I feel I was able to provide them with a better understanding about the issues faced by those with mesothelioma and also about the benefits of Alimta. The MPs told me that the matter would not be left there and they would pursue other avenues within parliament to see what can be done to ensure Alimta is given guidance.”