Hopes for miracle drug on NHS as firm rejoins talks
THE company behind a miracle drug to fight a rare genetic condition that can cause brain damage are returning to the negotiating table – just days after we launched a new campaign.
Last Saturday we unveiled our Supply Kuvan On The NHS crusade, demanding the life-changing drug for those with Phenylketonuria, or PKU.
The inherited disorder forces sufferers to live on a severely restricted dietary regime, as too much protein can cause brain damage.
Since 2008 US firm BioMarin’s drug, which could help 600 UK sufferers lead a normal life, has been approved for use but not available on the NHS.
Last October, BioMarin quit the NHS drug appraisal process overseen by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) having failed to reach agreement on terms.
But we can confirm they are reengaging with Nice again, despite their reservations at how Nice values “orphan” drugs for rare diseases.
Yesterday the shock news was greeted with delight by PKU campaigners who have been delighted by our new health justice campaign.
Tireless Kate Learoyd has fought for years for Kuvan on the NHS, despite her son Alex, 11, luckily taking the pill via a drug trial.
Kate, 46, of Holt, Wiltshire, said: “I am relieved BioMarin are going to reengage with Nice. BioMarin has a monopoly on this drug and a responsibility to prioritise people in the UK who struggle with PKU.”
The disorder means sufferers cannot properly digest the amino acid phenylalanine (Phe), which builds up and can cause brain damage.
Kuvan successfully reduces the levels of phenylalanine.
Caroline Graham, mother to PKU siblings Holly, 23, and Callum Graham, 26, of Godalming, Surrey, said: “I am overjoyed to hear that BioMarin are going to co-operate with Nice again.
“We’ve been waiting too long. I hope we can finally bring this fight to an end so that my children can get on with their lives. Everyone with PKU who is suitable should get this treatment.”
A Nice spokesperson said: “We look forward to working with BioMarin (to) establish whether the drug should be made routinely available.”
Kuvan costs around £45,000 per adult, per year and £4,000 for a child, although the NHS would seek a significant extra discount.
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, an active campaigner for PKU sufferers and MP for South West Surrey, backed our new crusade.
He said: “Kuvan will change lives. This excellent campaign by the Daily Express has my full support.”
Eric Lange, chair of The National Society for Phenylketonuria, told us: “It is completely unacceptable that the UK is one of the only countries in the world not to provide this treatment.”
Last year BioMarin made £358million in Kuvan sales alone.
Yesterday the company told us: “BioMarin is pleased the Daily Express is supporting calls for Kuvan to be made available to people with PKU in the United Kingdom.
“We are proceeding with Nice’s STA (single technology appraisal) process in the hope of achieving reimbursement.”