Pharmac must fast track Herceptin funding

National’s Associate Health spokeswoman, Jackie Blue, is calling for Pharmac to fast track separate funding of the breast cancer drug Herceptin when it meets on February 16.

Dr Blue says international trials have proven that where Herceptin is used by women with the early stages of breast cancer, incidence of relapse is halved.

“These cancers are notoriously aggressive and this drug offers real hope for the 25% of breast cancer sufferers who are able to take it.

“National is committed to boosting Pharmac’s funding to expand the availability of new drugs like Herceptin.

“Women must not be denied access to a drug that could cure them.”

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