The FDA has approved Perjeta (pertuzumab). This pill will extend progression-free survival by roughly 50% more than any other drug available today.
The new drug has been readily available from the 1st of July 2012 to women facing stage 5 breast cancer.
“Given the need for additional treatments for metastatic breast cancer, we made the decision to approve this drug today and not to delay its availability to patients pending resolution of the production issues relating to future supply,” said the FDA’s Dr. Janet Woodcock in a press release highlighting the drug’s approval. (Jefferson, 2012)
At this stage no additional side effects have been identified from using the drug. It really sounds good. Almost too good. Unfortunately so. Not only does Genentech have problems producing sufficient quantities of the drug, they charge ridiculous prices for it. It will cost you about $187,000 to extend 18-months of your life.
Can you put a price on someone's life - or the little bit they have left? You decide.
0 comments:
Post a Comment