Risks Magazine 26th May 2007 reported that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is soon to announce its recommendation on NHS availability of the mesothelioma drug Alimta. It is anticipated that NICE will say authorisation should be refused.
Michael Clapham MP has introduced an early day motion (EDM) calling on NICE to rethink its approach and on the government to 'acknowledge that, in this case, it has a wider social responsibility that goes beyond the NICE definition of cost-effectiveness.' In short, the EDM is calling for the approval of a drug already available free to people in Scotland with mesothelioma, and which it is accepted improves quality of life and life expectancy.
As of 23 May, 99 MPs had signed up - which still leaves a few hundred to go. The more that sign up, the better the chances that the government will listen and approve the drug for NHS use.
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