Pfizer gives Ibrance away while UK decides whether to pay

US pharma giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) has said it will offer women in the UK its novel breast cancer therapy Ibrance (palbociclib) for free, while the country’s medicines cost-effectiveness agency decides whether or not to fund the drug.

The unusual decision comes after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) declared the drug not cost-effective and published draft guidance recommending against routine funding in England.

Ibrance, which was approved for use in European countries late last year, costs about £80,000 ($104,000) for a full course of treatment. Data from clinical trials show the drug can prolong life in eligible patients by up to 10 months.