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News Desk | News Story
14th September 2007
Guidance for the drug was finally issued in July this year after a two-year campaign backed by founder of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, Chris Knighton and asbestos compensation claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors.
But now the guidance has been put on hold as NICE waits to hear two appeals against their original decision.
Nice cannot reveal who the appellants are and what grounds their appeal is based on until the day of the hearing, which has yet to be announced.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. More than 2,000 people every year are diagnosed with the disease, which often leaves sufferers with a life expectancy of just months.
Specialists estimate around 700 people a year could benefit from Alimta, which is said to extend the lives of some sufferers and has proven to improve quality of life.
Earlier this year NICE ruled against the use of Alimta across the NHS. But following an appeal to NICE by manufacturers Eli Lilly it agreed to carry out a review of the evidence.
In July NICE announced the drug would be made available to a certain category of mesothelioma patients.
The decision was greeted by delight for families across the UK. Previously the drug
was only available on the NHS in some parts of the country including the North East, Scotland, Liverpool and London.
Patients living elsewhere in the UK were faced with having to pay up to £8,000 per cycle to obtain the treatment.
The appeal means full guidance for the drug cannot be announced until later this year. Hospitals are free to prescribe the drug but are not under any obligation and it is expected that the current postcode lottery will continue until full guidance is given.
Chris Knighton, founder of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund said: “This is astounding news. We were at the point where mesothelioma patients would have a right to receive this important drug on the NHS and now it feels like we are back to square one.
“Hundreds of mesothelioma patients in the North East and beyond will be very disappointed to hear this news, which once again puts them in limbo. This just shows that there is no peace for mesothelioma sufferers who face one struggle after another.”
Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors said: “The last thing people suffering from this terrible illness need is more uncertainty. They are going through hell as it is and should be entitled to know what treatment is available to them. NICE should clarify the position without further delay.”
If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.