Nuclear option
Big news splashed across the media today in the latest attempt to reach a resolution on access to Orkambi for CF patients in England and Wales.
The front page of The Guardian and R4 Today both - among others - covered the access battle with The Guardian reporting how the suggestion that Vertex's patent could be annulled under a 'crown use'. This, as the article explains allows the Government to 'effectively override a patent in the national interest.'
While I fully endorse the approach and would enjoy the Vertex-strength meltdown if it did occur, it does worry me that the result would be that Vertex would just decide to wash its hands of England for future medications.
The piece notes the decision from Vertex to remove Symkevi from the NHS approval process meaning price negotiation will never come to pass for newer treatments from Vertex - this is from a company which is led by people who took an oath.
So, is this just posturing form the Government to add leverage to get Vertex to do a deal? Will Vertex continue its infantile toy throwing by blocking - out of spite - access to their future treatments?
They're unknows. What is known is that the people who live with CF are stuck in between the two factions are suffering more and more day by day. And it is these people that both parties allegedly exist to help.
What a thoroughly appalling state of affairs.
The front page of The Guardian and R4 Today both - among others - covered the access battle with The Guardian reporting how the suggestion that Vertex's patent could be annulled under a 'crown use'. This, as the article explains allows the Government to 'effectively override a patent in the national interest.'
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| deeds, not words |
The piece notes the decision from Vertex to remove Symkevi from the NHS approval process meaning price negotiation will never come to pass for newer treatments from Vertex - this is from a company which is led by people who took an oath.
So, is this just posturing form the Government to add leverage to get Vertex to do a deal? Will Vertex continue its infantile toy throwing by blocking - out of spite - access to their future treatments?
They're unknows. What is known is that the people who live with CF are stuck in between the two factions are suffering more and more day by day. And it is these people that both parties allegedly exist to help.
What a thoroughly appalling state of affairs.
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