It was found that the supply of anti-cancer drugs used for multiple cancers such as pancreatic cancer is expected to be temporarily stopped after October.

Relevant academic societies are seeking help from healthcare professionals to prioritize patients who require medication and consider switching if alternative treatments are available.

This anti-cancer drug is "Abraxane" sold by Taiho Pharmaceutical, which is used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer, and is used by 40,000 people annually in Japan.



According to the company, the importing American manufacturer contacted me that "a re-evaluation was required for regular verification of the manufacturing process", so it was already in the shipping adjustment, and this October After that, the supply is expected to be temporarily suspended for at least four weeks.



Currently, there is no problem with the quality of the medicines on the market.



According to the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, some patients with pancreatic cancer do not have alternative drugs, and there are concerns about their impact on treatment.



For this reason, related academic societies have jointly sought the cooperation of healthcare professionals to prioritize patients who are already on treatment and indispensable for administration, and to consider switching if alternative treatment is available.



Chikafumi Ishioka, President of the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, said, "Patients who are effective with this drug lose their effectiveness due to supply suspension. Due to the large number of patients and few treatment options, it is very difficult. It has a big impact. "



Taiho Pharmaceutical says, "We cannot secure a stable supply of medicines, and we sincerely apologize for causing a great deal of inconvenience to patients and medical personnel."

Request form from patient group to Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Da Peng Pharmaceutical, etc.

Taiho Pharmaceutical explained that the reason for the suspension of supply was "I was contacted by an American manufacturer that it was necessary to re-evaluate due to regular verification of the manufacturing process," but the details cannot be clarified. It is said.



On the other hand, the Japan Federation of Cancer Patient Groups, which is formed by cancer patient groups nationwide, submitted a request to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and Taiho Pharmaceutical.



The request states that Abraxane is important for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer, and is especially essential for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, which can be a life-threatening problem.



For this reason,


▽ promptly disclose information on the reasons for the suspension of supply, countermeasures, future prospects, etc.


▽ grasp the inventory at medical institutions and allocate it appropriately to patients who need it in particular. It is so


▽ to publish the latest situation in the home, such as


looking.



Shinsuke Amano, President of the Japan Federation of Cancer Patient Groups, said, "There is no information about what is happening, and patients are worried about what will happen to the treatment. Treatment refugees may be born. There is no situation. "



On top of that, "In the past, the supply of anti-cancer drugs was stopped by another manufacturer, but there was no drug that is widely used for multiple cancers like this time. Stable supply is the mission of pharmaceutical companies. I would like you to take responsibility for explaining the reasons for the suspension of supply and how to deal with patients. "