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19th February 2007
Mr Anderson, MP for Blaydon, has submitted a parliamentary question to the Government asking when the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) will report back on approval of the chemotherapy treatment.
Alimta is said to extend the lives of those suffering mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos but Alimta is said to help make sufferers more comfortable during their last months.
The drug could help scores of mesothelioma sufferers across the UK and in the North East. Many have been waiting for over a year to find out if the drug will be used on the NHS.
Last month Nice predicted that it would not be in a position to give guidance on the drug Alimta until September 2007.
It means by the time Nice finally announces if it is going to make Alimta available on the NHS campaign groups will have been fighting the cause for almost two years.
Mr Anderson has given his backing to the campaign.
Alimta is currently only available in some parts of the country on the NHS, including the North East, Liverpool and London. Earlier this year Nice did not recommend Alimta for use across the NHS.
But following an appeal to Nice by Alimta manufacturers Eli Lilly, Nice said it would take another look at the drug and its appraisal committee would look at the way cost per life gained was calculated.
It is understood that health trusts in the UK who are offering Alimta can continue to do so until a final decision is made by Nice.
Thompsons Solicitors, head of asbestos policy Ian McFall said: "I look forward to hearing the Department for Health’s answer to Mr Anderson’s question. I hope they take the stance that a decision should be made on Alimta as soon as possible so that scores of people in the North East and others across the UK are no longer left in limbo".
If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
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