Thousands of women in England with incurable HER2-low advanced breast cancer will be able to access the life-extending drug Enhertu on the NHS after ministers and the drug's makers reached a deal on its price.
Key facts
- About 1,000 women a year with HER2-low advanced breast cancer will gain access to Enhertu.
- The drug becomes available on the NHS in England from Thursday.
- Access follows successful negotiations between ministers and the drug's makers over its price.
- Enhertu is described as a life-extending treatment for incurable breast cancer.
Thousands of women in England with incurable breast cancer will get access to a life-extending drug on the NHS after negotiations over its cost proved successful, according to the Guardian.
About 1,000 women a year with HER2-low advanced breast cancer will be able to obtain the drug Enhertu from Thursday, the Guardian reported. The access follows a deal struck between ministers and the drug’s makers on its price.
Enhertu is used to treat HER2-low advanced breast cancer, a form of the disease that is incurable. The drug is described as life-extending for the women who will now be able to receive it.
The Guardian reported that the price agreement clears the way for eligible patients in England to begin accessing the treatment through the NHS from Thursday.
Why it matters
For patients with incurable breast cancer, access to a life-extending treatment can offer valuable additional time. The deal shows how negotiations over drug pricing directly affect whether patients can access new therapies on the NHS.
Frequently asked questions
Who will be able to access Enhertu on the NHS?
About 1,000 women a year in England with HER2-low advanced breast cancer will be able to obtain Enhertu, according to the Guardian.
When does the drug become available?
The Guardian reports that eligible patients will be able to access Enhertu from Thursday.
Why is the drug being made available now?
Access follows successful negotiations between ministers and the drug's makers over its price, according to the Guardian.