Avastin: Doctors and patients awaiting outcome of South Tyneside-led cancer drug fight

Dr David Hambleton of NHS South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group.

Care bosses in South Tyneside took the lead fighting off attempts by the industry to bar them using a cheaper alternative to treat one of the most common causes of blindness.

Last year the High Court backed a bid by the North East’s clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to use Avastin, a cancer drug, against wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

It was hoped the ruling could save the NHS about £100 million a year as Avastin in up to 30 times more expensive than the two drugs officially sanctioned for treatment of AMD.

But last month health chiefs were called before the Court of Appeal to argue their case once more.

“Last year we won a landmark legal battle in the High Court to use Avastin to treat Wet AMD,” said Dr David Hambleton, chief executive of South Tyneside CCG.

“Avastin has been clinically trialled, is completely safe and around 20 times cheaper than the most expensive alternative.

“This is about saving the NHS and the taxpayer money. We maintained that position in the Court of Appeal hearing and look forward to the judgement.”

Dr Hambleton updated the public on the status of the hearing, which ran from November 19 – 22, at a meeting of the CCG’s governing body.

He revealed a judgement is not expected to be handed down until January at the earliest.

While judges in one courtroom were hearing the appeal against the Avastin case, in another separate proceedings were underway against South Tyneside CCG, brought by the Save South Tyneside Hospital campaign.

The group has been seeking to overturn changes to health services in the borough, including stroke, maternity and paediatric care, arguing the decision to transfer services to Sunderland Royal Hospital from 2018 pre-determined before a public consultation process could be completed.

A decision on the latest appeal, which follows the campaign’s failed attempt to have the reforms reversed through a High Court judicial review last year (2018), is expected before Christmas.