Post by Deanne Jenkyns on Oct 14, 2007 11:51:07 GMT 1
Tarceva® (erlotinib)
Access Programme (TAP)
On Monday 1st October 2007 National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) announced that they will reconsider the guidance on the use of Tarceva (erlotinib) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. This upheld a joint appeal by The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and Cancerbackup against their original decision in March not to approve the drug. In the meantime, as indicated by NICE, patients should not be denied access on the basis of their decision, as it is dependent on the appeals process.
As a result of the NICE decision the drug manufacturers (Roche) have introduced a scheme which they hope will remove the cost barriers to the NHS.
What is TAP?
• TAP - the Tarceva Access Programme - is a short-term access programme that will provide Tarceva (erlotinib) to the NHS at a reduced cost in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• In effect the price of Tarceva will be reduced to the same as the current standard treatment, a chemotherapy drug called docetaxel. This means that the average cost per patient will be the same as the current alternative, docetaxel, at its basic NHS price.
How long will TAP last?
• This programme will be offered until final guidance is issued by NICE to the NHS.
Who will TAP be available to?
• TAP will be available for all patients affected by the NICE delay in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who are suitable for Tarceva as either a second or third treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.
How does TAP work?
• A contract will be put in place so that hospitals can buy Tarceva directly from the manufacturer at a reduced cost.
How do lung cancer patients find out if they can access Tarceva through TAP?
• Patients should consult their lung cancer specialists to find out if Tarceva would work for them.
• If patients are suitable, the hospital will then deal directly with the manufacturer.
What are the benefits of this scheme?
• This reduction in effective price means Tarceva and docetaxel will on average cost the same. This means patients should have a choice of treatment.
What about patients who are currently funding their own treatment with Tarceva?
• Patients who are currently funding their own treatment with Tarceva should consult their physicians to see if their hospital has joined the Tarceva Access Programme.
Are private patients also entitled to a discount?
• No, NICE decisions do not affect people with private health insurance. Private patients should have had access to Tarceva since the license was granted, over two years ago.
Will the scheme apply to patients who are on Tarceva long term
• The scheme is based on a reduced cost for every pack the hospital purchases.
If you would like more information on lung cancer please don’t hesitate to call The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Helpline on: 0800 358 7200.
The
Access Programme (TAP)
On Monday 1st October 2007 National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) announced that they will reconsider the guidance on the use of Tarceva (erlotinib) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. This upheld a joint appeal by The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation and Cancerbackup against their original decision in March not to approve the drug. In the meantime, as indicated by NICE, patients should not be denied access on the basis of their decision, as it is dependent on the appeals process.
As a result of the NICE decision the drug manufacturers (Roche) have introduced a scheme which they hope will remove the cost barriers to the NHS.
What is TAP?
• TAP - the Tarceva Access Programme - is a short-term access programme that will provide Tarceva (erlotinib) to the NHS at a reduced cost in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• In effect the price of Tarceva will be reduced to the same as the current standard treatment, a chemotherapy drug called docetaxel. This means that the average cost per patient will be the same as the current alternative, docetaxel, at its basic NHS price.
How long will TAP last?
• This programme will be offered until final guidance is issued by NICE to the NHS.
Who will TAP be available to?
• TAP will be available for all patients affected by the NICE delay in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who are suitable for Tarceva as either a second or third treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.
How does TAP work?
• A contract will be put in place so that hospitals can buy Tarceva directly from the manufacturer at a reduced cost.
How do lung cancer patients find out if they can access Tarceva through TAP?
• Patients should consult their lung cancer specialists to find out if Tarceva would work for them.
• If patients are suitable, the hospital will then deal directly with the manufacturer.
What are the benefits of this scheme?
• This reduction in effective price means Tarceva and docetaxel will on average cost the same. This means patients should have a choice of treatment.
What about patients who are currently funding their own treatment with Tarceva?
• Patients who are currently funding their own treatment with Tarceva should consult their physicians to see if their hospital has joined the Tarceva Access Programme.
Are private patients also entitled to a discount?
• No, NICE decisions do not affect people with private health insurance. Private patients should have had access to Tarceva since the license was granted, over two years ago.
Will the scheme apply to patients who are on Tarceva long term
• The scheme is based on a reduced cost for every pack the hospital purchases.
If you would like more information on lung cancer please don’t hesitate to call The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Helpline on: 0800 358 7200.
The
LC charity Ball
