Drug manufacturer Janssen-Cilag is offering the NHS a refund on the cancer drug Velcade if patients do not respond to it. The drug had been rejected primarily because of cost but that decision may be reversed later this year.
Velcade can extend the life of cancer sufferers by two years or more. Harpal Kumar, CEO of Cancer Research UK said that the move would let the NHS get value for money, freeing up resources for new treatments.
"The drug manufacturer obviously feels strongly its product is effective. It is prepared to put its money where its mouth is and foot the bill when patients don't respond," said Jacky Pickles, a myeloma patient.
