New Bill would cut cost of many important drugs THE Off-patent Drugs Bill will be voted on in Parliament on November 6. I am campaigning in support of this Bill and hope that local MPs will join me and lend their support to this vital piece of legislation which could benefit thousands of patients.
Supported by Breast Cancer Now, the Bill is designed to address the problem of making drugs that have fallen out of patent, but have since proved effective for clinical uses outside their original licence, routinely available on the NHS.
Today's Letters
If it successfully enters UK law, it will improve access to low-cost treatments for a range of conditions including breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s.
In order for it to progress a step closer to becoming law, 100 MPs need to turn up and vote in its favour this November.
Neglecting the clinical benefits of off-patent drugs is a huge oversight, especially as these drugs tend to be very low-cost.
Given the NHS budgetary constraints, surely this is exactly the type of opportunity that decision-makers should embrace. I would encourage others to join me and add their support to Breast Cancer Now’s Unlock Drugs campaign by visiting breastcancernow.org/unlockdrugs
JANE ARMITAGE
Shiplake Bottom,
Henley-on-Thames
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