NHS "fundamentally flawed" says Sanofi amid cancer drugs cuts

Sanofi is likely to be affected by recent cuts to the UK's Cancer Drugs Fund, with at least two of its drugs said to be de-listed from March 12th.

The firm is quoted by the BBC as confirming that Jevtana, which is used to treat prostate cancer, is to come off the market, although patients currently using the drug won't be affected.

In addition the BBC reports that Zaltrap, used in bowel cancer treatment, has also been removed.

Tarja Stenvall, General Manager UK and Ireland at Sanofi, said: "We are hugely shocked and disappointed at this decision against Jevtana.

"We believe NHS England's process for reviewing drugs currently listed on the Cancer Drugs Fund has been fundamentally flawed.

"It was arbitrary, inflexible and relied on very questionable evaluation criteria that were not independently verified or endorsed."

The NHS says that the cuts are essential due to overspending, and that newer drugs are available to fill the gaps left by those to be de-listed.