Skin cancer drug fast-tracked on NHS

[annie]

An experimental and unlicensed cancer drug has been fast-tracked to NHS patients under a new government scheme.

Pembrolizumab is a treatment for advanced skin cancer and is the first medicine to be approved through the Early Access to Medicines scheme (EAMS), launched in England last April.

The idea is to get pioneering drugs to severely ill patients much sooner.

Drugs signed off through EAMS have been scrutinised by regulators, weighing the risks and benefits.

A green light by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) means doctors anywhere in the UK can prescribe the drug in question before normal licensing procedures - which can take years - are complete
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31818054

[maureenho]

than999 go90

[JaneJ]

Thank you