This has been an interesting week for manufacturers of oncology drugs. On Wednesday, the US FDA’s ODAC (Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee) unanimously recommended approval for the first US biosimilar, and equivalent to Amgen’s Neupogen.
Neupogen is a widely-prescribed cancer treatment costing over $300 per dose. As a result, the new biosimilar, filgrastim, could have a major impact on the economics of oncology treatments.
The news comes in the same week that the UK cancer drug fund (a £280 million special funding framework for cancer drugs that would otherwise be too costly for approval through normal NHS channels) is to cease funding of several drugs.
The move provoked an angry response from manufacturers Eisai and Sanofi, who have criticised the way the decision was made and the criteria used.
Sanofi’s prostate treatment, Jevtana, and Eisai’s breast cancer drug, Halaven are among those affected by the move. Eisai complained that they were not informed of the decision until it was too late. Had they known in advance, they could have re-examined the price charged for their drug to try and help it remain affordable.
Of course, this comment could fuel the fire of controversy over whether cancer drugs are over-priced in general, but that’s another story...
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