Healthy Skepticism Library item: 11332

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: news

GSK offers Tykerb
Pharmacy Daily (Australia) - registration required 2007 Aug 24
http://www.pharmacydaily.com.au

Full text:

GLAXOSMITHKLINE has announced that despite its Tykerb breast cancer medication not being approved for funding under the PBS (PD Mon) it’s going to offer the drug on an “expanded access program” while the govt considers funding options.

GSK said it will provide Tykerb (lapatinib ditosylate) free of charge to eligible patients who
are enrolled in the Tykerb Access Program until 30 Nov 2007.

Medical director Dr Michael Elliott said the firm had made the decision to provide the treatment
at no charge as an interim measure “to ensure that Australian women are not subjected to an additional financial burden at what is already a difficult time for them”.

Tykerb is indicated for women with metastatic breast cancer that has progressed despite treatment
with other therapies including Herceptin (trastuzumab).