AstraZeneca to provide breast cancer and endometriosis drug Zoladex to patients for free indefinitely
AstraZeneca has reversed its decision to pull the breast cancer and endometriosis drug Zoladex from the Australian market. The company will now provide the medication indefinitely to eligible patients following public and government pressure.
Why it matters
This highlights the power of public advocacy and government intervention in ensuring patient access to essential, life-saving medications.
Ella Somerville Glover from Sydney was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. ( ABC News: Mary Lloyd )
AstraZeneca has announced it will provide Zoladex to eligible women free of charge indefinitely.
The ABC has spoken to several women who say the uncertainty left them considering removing their ovaries.
Health Minister Mark Butler says the government is working through the recommendations of a review so Australians can get faster access to medicines.
Link copied Share Share article Women with breast cancer or endometriosis will have free and continued access to a life-saving drug, after a pharmaceutical giant bowed to widespread pressure and committed to supplying the medication in Australia indefinitely.
Before the eleventh-hour backdown, the ABC spoke to several women who were contemplating removing their ovaries because they were so fearful of the prospect of going without the drug.
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