Zoladex controversy avoidable, Nats say

Pharmac could have avoided the controversy over the drug Zoladex if its cancer specialist committee had been consulted over the decision to cut the subsidy, the National Party said today.

Zoladex supplier AstraZeneca said yesterday it had reached agreement with the Government drug-buying agency to re-supply the cancer drug.

Last week AstraZeneca decided to withdraw it because of Pharmac's decision to cut the subsidy.

AstraZeneca said the new agreement with Pharmac covered long-term supply of 3.6mg and 10.8mg dosages used for prostate and breast cancer treatment.

National's associate health spokeswoman Jackie Blue said she was pleased the drug was going to stay on the market but "the whole sorry mess" could have been avoided.

"There was a huge public outcry from patients, doctors, as well as prostate and breast cancer groups," Dr Blue said.

"It is clear to me that Pharmac has become too driven by dollar and cent savings -- the human factor and the downstream effects of business decisions need to be considered."

Dr Blue said that might have been achieved if Pharmac's consumer committee had been involved.

"Another option was that the proposed deal could have been considered by their specialist committee, which is made up of cancer specialists who work at the coalface and understand the impact of clinical decisions and any supporting international data," she said.

"Of course, none of this happened and it is timely that Pharmac now looks at how it makes its business decisions, how it uses its committees, and how its committees are comprised."

- NZPA