Make Bexxar Accessible
Numerous studies have shown that RIT is a valuable treatment option for indolent lymphomas, but in a letter to health care providers, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), manufacturer of Bexxar (one of the two RIT drugs) announced its decision to reduce production and availability of the drug as of November 1, 2010, saying that "the infrequent demand for Bexxar, coupled with its significant production costs, meant that our on-demand service would not be sustainable."
The underutilization ("infrequent demand") of Bexxar and Zevalin (the other RIT drug) has been well documented. The reasons are numerous, but in part GSK should be held accountable for its failure to market Bexxar and to educate physicians and patients about the treatment.
GSK is basing its decision on profit, not what may be best for patients. Its decision will adversely impact patients and the clinical trials in which Bexxar is being studied.
Tell GSK to put patients first and make Bexxar available to people who need it!
Studies have shown that Bexxar is a valuable treatment option for the indolent lymphomas and that it can work when other treatments fail. Therefore, patients should not be deprived of this treatment should they need it, but your company's decision to limit the production and availability of Bexxar will do exactly that. Additionally, it will have an adverse impact on patients and on the clinical trials in which Bexxar is being studied.
We, the undersigned who are patients, family members, friends and caregivers of lymphoma patients/survivors, therefore ask you to act swiftly to reconsider your decision and to make Bexxar available on demand. Furthermore, we ask you to commit to an aggressive, long-term educational and marketing effort that will result in reducing the drug's underutilization and increasing patient access. We stand ready to assist in outreach and education with our own large patient groups and networks.
Simply stated, we ask you to put patients' lives first.
Thank you for considering our request.
Respectfully,
