Drugs Trading Statement

It is completely inaccurate to suggest that the trading of some drugs by the Royal Surrey County Hospital is linked to a patient in Kent not receiving Sunitinib (Sutent).

In a statement issued by NHS West Kent it was made clear that they routinely fund Sunitinib for conditions approved by NICE.  However, the drug is not licensed for certain types of tumour and NHS West Kent and all PCTs have to consider all clinical evidence when deciding to fund a drug.  The type of tumour this patient is suffering from is one of the tumours that the drug is not licensed for. 

Sunitinib is not in short supply and the fact that this patient has not been able to access it is totally unrelated to the trading of this drug. 

There is also absolutely no evidence to suggest that the Trust has played a part in creating a shortage of drugs.

Notes to Editors:

1. The only drugs currently listed as in short supply that were traded by the Royal Surrey are Imatinib (Glivec) and Desogestrel (Cerazette). 

Imatinib - ceased trading in mid October 2009 and first listed in short supply on 6 November 2009.

Desogestrel – ceased trading in June 2009 and first listed in short supply on 6 November 2009.

2.  Two additional drugs traded by the Trust were first listed as in short supply in November and are no longer in short supply. 

Lansoprazole 15mg Fastabs – ceased trading in August 2009.

Lansoprazole 30 mg Fastabs – ceased trading in August 2009.

3.  For further information please contact Lisa Ward Tel:  01483 408377/07525 011989.