Experts fear shortage of “unprofitable” cancer drug

thelocal.de ^ | 18 Nov 12 14:40 CET | (The Local/jcw)

[Olog-hai]

German cancer experts are warning of a looming shortage of one of the most widely used drugs to treat the disease—because pharmaceutical companies say it is not financially worth their while to make it any more.

Fluorouracil, also known as 5-FU, is a chemotherapy agent used to treat bowel and breast cancer. It is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for cancer patients worldwide. But many of Germany’s top providers have stopped making the drug because it is not as profitable as other, more expensive ones. Of the six main companies which supplied 5-FU to pharmacies across the country, only one—Medac—is still is doing so, Der Spiegel magazine said on Sunday. …

[Gay State Conservative]

This won't affect many in this country.Under OsamaObamaCare only Presidents,former Presidents and current and former members of Congress will be able to see a cancer specialist within 9 months of referral anyway.

[BfloGuy]

Obviously it is unprofitable for one of two reasons.

Either people don't find it valuable enough to pay for it.

Or, government health plans won't reimburse the manufacturer at a price that covers costs.

Both are true.

[FlyingEagle]

Well, 5FU chemo saved my life after I was diagnosed with stage 3 adenocarcinoma and had surgery to remove it 5 1/2 years ago. It works. As far as I am concerned it is a miracle drug. Today I am cancer free.