NICE performs about-turn on licensing of asbestos drug

Unions have welcomed the National Institute of Clinical Evidence's (NICE) decision to license the drug Alimta, used to extend the life of people suffering from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.

Alimta (pemetrexed disodium) is not a cure, but it can extend mesothelioma victims' lives by up to a year while also improving their quality of life.

Owing to its cost, NICE had previously licensed the drug for ongoing clinical trials only, although it was already fully licensed in Scotland. In April, NICE indicated that Alimta would not be licensed, prompting vigorous - and ultimately successful - lobbying by unions and support groups to overturn that decision.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of construction union UCATT, said: "It is excellent news that NICE have responded positively to extensive lobbying following their original decision. Thousands of workers contract mesothelioma every year, due to no fault of their own, because of exposure in the workplace. The very least society must do is to ensure that their suffering is minimised."

Under NICE's revised guidance, Alimta is recommended for patients who can carry out day-to-day tasks but whose cancer is advanced and for whom surgery is inappropriate.

"At last NICE has stood up for these neglected patients and acknowledged that we have a duty of care that cannot be defined by cost-effectiveness alone," commented Tony Whitston, chair of the Asbestos Support Groups' Forum.