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News Desk | News Story
9th July 2007
Guidance for the drug has finally been issued after a two-year campaign backed by founder of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, Chris Knighton and asbestos compensation claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors.
Chris said: “We have been campaigning hard over the last two years and it is a wonderful day that this decision has been made. People will now receive the treatment they justly deserve.
“This news is a relief for the hundreds of mesothelioma sufferers in the UK. Alimta may not be a cure but it offers precious extra time for patients and their families. It also provides relief from their symptoms allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life during their last months.”
Head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors Ian McFall said: “This is fantastic news for mesothelioma sufferers and their families. Alimta is the only specific licensed chemotherapy treatment for this devastating illness. This decision will now allow doctors to provide the treatment on the NHS. It is an important breakthrough.”
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.
Alimta 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 agreed to carry out a review of the evidence.
Until today Alimta 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.
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.