Reed Hopeful On Arthritis Drugs Appeal
Posted on January 23, 2008, 2:09 pm
P. Klein
Loughborough MP Andy Reed has said that he hopes that an appeal will allow local arthritis sufferers in Loughborough have access to the Orencia (abatacept) drug on the NHS. Abatacept is currently approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more DMARDs
Reed has been representing local arthritis sufferers, who believe the drug could make a massive difference to their daily lives, after NICE said the drugs were too expensive to be available on the NHS.
Loughborough’s MP said:
“I have been talking to Ministers and to NICE to see what can be done for local arthritis sufferers. Sufferers in Loughborough, quite rightly, want access to drugs that they feel can make a difference to their condition – and I will be continuing to make representations in the House on these matters.
“I understand from my conversations with NICE that an appeal has now been arranged. I hope for the sake of people with arthritis that the original decision is overturned, but we will wait and see. I am hopeful that they are listening to our representations and will take this into consideration when taking their decision.
“Anyone who is interested in the progress of this issue, and the appeal, should visit http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&o=11720 for more information.”
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