Pfizer offers breast cancer drug for free following NICE rejection

The drug was knocked back by NICE over concerns over the significance of its clinical efficacy in improving overall survival in patients. Pfizer is currently in the process of collating further data to present a more robust case for its product’s effectiveness.

"Pfizer believes women with metastatic breast cancer deserve access as soon as possible to this innovative medicine that has been shown to significantly increase progression-free survival," a company spokeswoman said. "Acknowledging calls from physicians and patient groups across the UK for timely access to palbociclib, Pfizer has made the decision, in this instance, to provide palbociclib free of charge whilst the appraisal process continues."

The drug has shown the ability to halt progression of the disease by up to 10 months compared to currently available treatments

"This is an unexpected lifeline for thousands of women living with this type of breast cancer," remarked Fiona Hazell, Director of Policy and Engagement at Breast Cancer Now.  "We are delighted that Pfizer have listened to our campaigners and have found a way to enable patients to access this first-in-class drug in the short term.

"While only an interim measure, more than 16 women every day could have their lives changed by this drug during this window. Palbociclib can offer a large proportion of patients with incurable metastatic breast cancer significant extra time before their disease progresses – time that can be truly invaluable to them and their loved ones."