Forum Discussion

Marianne_BCNA's avatar
7 years ago

Two steps forward, one step back – news on access to CDKs in second line treatment

Hello everyone,

BCNA has an update on access to CDKs as second line treatment. Pfizer have this week advised BCNA about a new capped access program for the CDK inhibitor palbociclib (lbrance) which will be available from October 1, 2018.

This means you still have to pay for around 8 months of treatment (at a cost of around $40000) but after that time it will be free.

We understand that this is still a huge cost but it is an important step forward because people will at least know how much they will have to find should they want to proceed with this line of treatment.

BCNA is continuing to work for our members in this space and we’re very pleased to be able to advise that we have been able to negotiate with Pfizer that anyone who can show that they have already paid $40000 (for either first or second line treatment) can immediately move across to the capped program and no longer have to pay.

For further information, go to our website. 

Please help us share the news to anyone you know who may currently be paying for Palbociclib.

  • This is at least a step in the right direction. Can you please clarify what the restrictions on second line treatment are? I have had chemo, and am currently on a parp inhibitor. Would I be eligible for this access program if the parp inhibitor stops working and I want to try Ibrance? Thank you.
  • Thanks @Marianne_BCNA, I can understand your frustration, yes its a step albeit a very small step,I still think, as I am sure you must all that $40.000 is a significant amount of money, certainly something I could not afford, however, its a progression of sorts, perhaps in time, this will improve, thank you to all at bcna for their untiring efforts in trying to improve the lives of all women with breast cancer, early or metastatic.

    wendy55
  • Thankyou Marinne
    Wonderful to know that some access progress has been achieved for longer term met patients.
    All the best to everyone who are  able to now afford and start 
    Bright in hope