Glivec Given Go Ahead

Glivec Given Go Ahead

The Leukaemia and Blood Foundation is pleased that Pharmac has finally agreed to fund Glivec, the life-saving new drug, for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) patients.

"The Foundation is relieved that an arrangement has been reached after months of intense lobbying. After the trauma of this past year, patients, their families and friends will be heartened by this good news," says Jim Hamilton, executive director for the Foundation.

"This is a great result for all those who have battled with bureaucracy over the past year to secure the funding for this amazing drug," said Mr Hamilton.

"Pharmac has announced funding for all three stages of CML. This includes patients in the early stages of the disease who have failed the current standard therapy, interferon, as well as those with advanced disease.

Earlier this year, the Foundation launched the high profile "Save-the-90". Campaign to put pressure on Pharmac and the Ministry of Health to fund Glivec. CML patients fronted the campaign highlighting the unique benefits of Glivec and amassing wide spread public and political support.

Thousands of people responded by sending submissions to Pharmac requesting that the drug should be funded for all patients with CML.

"Our message that Glivec is the most effective treatment for CML has sunk in and I would like to thank the thousands of New Zealanders who helped the Foundation's Savethe90Campaign," Mr Hamilton said.

For further information about the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation or to make a donation go to www.leukaemia.org.nz < http://www.leukaemia.org.nz >

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