Welsh NHS to fund new drug for patients with pancreatic cancer

Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in Wales will have access to the drug Abraxane on the NHS, Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford today announced.

Wales is the only country in the UK where the chemotherapy drug will be routinely available to eligible patients on the NHS.

The decision to fund Abraxane follows a positive recommendation from the independent All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) earlier this month.

AWMSG appraises medicines for use in Wales, ensuring patients have access to those treatments which have a proven evidence base and are demonstrated to be cost and clinically-effective.

Professor Drakeford said:

“Following the appraisal of Abraxane by AWMSG , I am pleased to announce we will be making the medicine available on the Welsh NHS to those who are eligible to receive it.

“I am proud that in Wales we have a system in place where patients get access to proven and effective treatments for cancer and other life-threatening conditions.”