PSN signs deal with Janssen for cancer medicines

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Johnson & Jonson ( Janssen), a pharmaceutical company based in Belgium, to expand access to innovative cancer medicines for PSN members and larger society.

PSN President Ahmed Yakasai disclosed this in his message on the World Cancer Day marked yesterday. In addition to cancer (Ovarian Cancer, HIV related Kaposi Sarcoma, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer) treatment, the partnership will cover areas like Schizophrenia, Anaemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Psoriactic Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Plaque Psoriasis and Bipolar Disorders.

World Cancer Day is commemorated every year on 4th of February all over the world to celebrate all the efforts done by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), governmental and nongovernmental health organizations towards fighting against cancer.

The PSN President who directed members to celebrate the day said the celebration provided the chance to reflect on what individuals can do to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

According to him, the key messages for this year World Cancer Day include inspire action, take action, prevent cancer, make healthy lifestyle choices; understand that early detection saves lives.

Yakasai said the partnership with Janssen was aimed at supporting global efforts to reduce the cancer epidemic.

He said, “We must as a matter of urgency increase awareness about cancer and its effects in rural and urban areas across the country.