British hospitals are being allowed to use an alternative form of interferon alfa 2 during a shortage of the standard pegylated drug, it has been announced.
More than 2,000 British patients are currently using the existing treatment, Pegasys, which is the subject of a worldwide shortage.
Blood Cancer UK said it had confirmed that NHS England will fund the use of Besremi, ropeginterferon alfa 2b, during shortages to ensure continued care of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.
It has worked with two other charities – MPN Voice and Leukaemia Care – to lobby the NHS to provide the alternative to Pegasys. The charities expect shortages to continue until July 2025, following the transfer of the production licence to a new company.
Blood Cancer UK has advised patients: “If you continue to take Pegasys, your hospital team may suggest adjustments to your dose to avoid waste. Be prepared for this but ask questions if you are concerned. Don’t change your dose of interferon, or how often you take it, without speaking to your hospital team.”
In a statement it said: “Using Besremi is a temporary solution – people will go back to Pegasys once the shortage is over. Besremi and Pegasys are considered to be equally effective.
“This guidance is from NHS England, but Besremi may also be available in certain situations in Scotland and Wales. If you are having problems accessing Pegasys or Besremi in Scotland or Wales, speak to your hospital team.”
Besremi remains under assessment by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and was refused approval by the Scottish Medicines Consortium on the grounds that its cost did not match its relative benefits.
The charity says access to treatment in Northern Ireland remains uncertain while clinicians seek alternative stocks of interferon.
Source: Blood Cancer UK
Link: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/news/interferon-shortage-pegasys-mpns/
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