Lung Cancer Alliance News

June 17, 2005 - Lung Cancer Alliance and other cancer advocates learned today of AstraZeneca’s announcement of upcoming changes in access to Iressa (gefitinib) in the United States and are concerned about the impact on the entire lung cancer patient and caregiver community.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also released a similar announcement today. 

As of September 15, 2005, only patients who are currently taking Iressa, have taken it, or are taking Iressa as part of a clinical trial will have access to Iressa in the United States.  After September 15, 2005, new U.S. patients will have not have access to Iressa.  AstraZeneca and other researchers are continuing Iressa research in an effort to understand who benefits from it.

Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) continues to have concerns about patient access to Iressa and will pursue our advocacy to ensure that doctors and patients have complete access to all treatment options.  Previously, LCA has weighed in with both AstraZeneca and FDA though testimony before ODAC (Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee), discussions and letters (1, 2) encouraging both parties to allow doctors and patients continued access to every treatment option.  We will continue to keep the lung cancer community informed.

AstraZeneca has invited patients to call the IRESSA Access Program at 1-800-601-8933 and to view its patient letter, patient Q&A, and physician form on the internet.

Related News Stories:

New York Times
Washington Post