CHARITIES have called for a shake-up of Scotland's drug approval system after the health regulator said a new treatment for breast cancer was not value for money.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) ruled patients with advanced breast cancer should not be offered Afinitor.
The drug has been hailed as one of the biggest advances in breast cancer treatment in recent years and it is claimed it could make a difference to the lives of thousands of sufferers.
The guidance echoes that previously published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England.
James Jopling, director for Scotland at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, called for changes to the drug approval process after Holyrood's health committee said last week the system needed significant improvements.
He said the decision will be a blow to almost 300 patients who may have benefited from "the precious quality time with their families and loved ones Afinitor could have given them".
Mr Jopling added: "The ever-present issue of cost has taken an invaluable option away from women for whom the treatment options are already limited.
"Breakthrough is calling on the Scottish Government to change the approval process so greater focus is placed on the value new medicines bring, such as providing extra months of life before cancer progresses."
The drug's manufacturers, Novartis, said: "The SMC's decision leaves women in Scotland without access to a treatment for advanced breast cancer that has been recognised by clinicians and health authorities in the United States and a number of countries across Europe as a step change in therapy."
A Scottish Government spokesman said SMC decisions were some of the fastest and most robust in the world but added it would consult on how to improve access to new medicines over the summer. He added: "The SMC has asked the firm to resubmit with more evidence and we would encourage them to do that."
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