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Pharma giants sue NHS for trying to save money
SAM TOBIN reports from the High Court
TWO pharmaceutical giants have dragged the NHS to the High Court to prevent patients being given a cheaper sight-saving drug which could save millions.
Twelve clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in north-east England want to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of vision loss — with an anti-cancer drug found to be “as clinically effective and safe,” as well as being significantly cheaper.
They say using Avastin could save the region’s NHS nearly £50 million over five years, while the BMJ has reported estimates that a national switch to Avastin could save the NHS £500m a year.
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