The CEO of AstraZeneca has criticized a public health body for not making one of its breast cancer treatments available to NHS patients in England and Wales. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) decided in March that patients should not have access to Enhertu because it was not cost-effective.
Sir Pascal Soriot expressed disappointment at the decision, especially since Enhertu had been approved for patients in 17 other European countries, including NHS patients in Scotland. He raised concerns about NICE’s methodology, which categorized metastatic breast cancer as only moderately severe, leading to the denial of access to innovative medicines.
He emphasized the importance of changing this methodology as it could impact where companies like AstraZeneca invest in research and development. Sir Pascal highlighted the need for access to innovative medicines to be improved in the UK to encourage investment in the country.
He also discussed the company’s financial performance and growth in key therapy areas, mentioning the success of Farxiga and the increasing demand for combination therapies in healthcare. AstraZeneca’s commitment to launching new medicines by 2030, including treatments for various diseases, reflects the company’s focus on advancing healthcare through science and innovation. Y así que estamos invirtiendo en una serie de tecnologías.
“Déjame darte un ejemplo de cómo queremos usar esto. Si miras el cáncer metastásico es muy difícil de curar a los pacientes – se extiende la vida en lugar de curar a los pacientes.
“Nuestra visión para curar el cáncer es atacar el tumor con una combinación de conjugados de fármacos de anticuerpos, o nucleótidos duales junto con anticuerpos biespecíficos… terapias inmunes. Así que atacas el tumor, lo descompones, lo reduces… y evitas que las células cancerosas o el tumor se protejan contra futuros tratamientos.
“Ahora, no va a funcionar en todos los cánceres en todos los pacientes. Pero creo que la esperanza es alta de que, en varios escenarios, para varios pacientes, podamos lograr una cura en los próximos cinco a 10 años.”