Thousands of breast cancer patients in the UK look set to benefit from the free supply of Ibrance (palbociclib) by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, which has pledged to provide the medication for up to five months for eligible women until the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) decides whether it will pay for it to be used across the NHS.

According to the Daily Telegraph, approximately 2,400 women could benefit from this particular drug, which can prolong life by an average of ten months. And Pfizer has said it will carry on supplying the drug for free even if the NICE does decide against funding it.

Ibrance itself is for those with hormone positive HER2 negative breast cancer that has not previously been treated and which has spread around the body.

Director of policy and engagement at Breast Cancer Now Fiona Hazell was quoted by the news source as saying: “This is an unexpected lifeline for thousands of women living with this type of breast cancer. We are delighted that Pfizer have listened to our campaigners and have found a way to enable patients to access this first-in-class drug in the short term.

“While only an interim measure, more than 16 women every day could have their lives changed by this drug during this window.”

It’s important to note the side-effects of any medication, however, and Ibrance may cause low white blood cell counts that could result in serious infections. Doctors should always check white blood cell counts before and during treatment.

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