Update on the Shortage of Pegasys for Treating MPNs

We are very pleased to advise that NHS England has confirmed that Besremi is now available as a treatment option for specific people with MPNs – essential thrombocythaemia (ET), polycythaemia vera (PV) or myelofibrosis (MF) and for the duration of the Pegasys shortage. Doctors can now consider switching to the use of Besremi as an…

NICE Guidance on Fedratinib for the treatment of Myelofibrosis

We are delighted to announce that NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has recently released guidance recommending fedratinib as an option within the NHS for treating disease-related splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) or symptoms of myelofibrosis in adult patients who have previously been treated with ruxolitinib and for whom momelotinib is unsuitable. This positive news follows a detailed appraisal…

In Conversation with… Prof Claire Harrison regarding the temporary shortage of Interferon

In conversation with Prof Claire Harrison, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS FT, who clarifies the situation regarding the temporary shortage of Interferon, which is due to the manufacturing rights of Interferon transferring from Hoffmann-La Roche to Pharma& and the commissioning of a new manufacturing plant.  Prof Harrison stresses that the current shortage is temporary and…

Update on review of Besremi for the treatment of PV in Ireland

The NCPE, the body that assesses and recommends drugs for use by the health services in Ireland, has recently released initial advice following their assessment of ropeginterferon alfa-2b (Besremi) for the treatment of patients with Polycythaemia Vera. As part of that assessment process MPN Voice made a patient group submission highlighting the benefits of Besremi…

Interferon supplies – Update 19 August 2024

Interferon supplies – Update 19 August 2024 For some time we have been aware that there are international shortages of interferon alpha, in particular pegasys (pegylated interferon alpha 2a). We have been liaising via our medical team with the national pharmacy and procurement teams looking at advice and options.  This includes the possibility of using…