UK: NHS denies lifesaving drug to 5,000 patients it gave infected blood: Sofosbuvir has been approved by regulators but victims are STILL waiting for treatment

• Thousands of victims were infected by hepatitis C through imported blood 
• Breakthrough drug Sofosbuvir was approved by regulator NICE in January 
• But NHS England is delaying treatment for patients until at least August 

Thousands of patients who contracted a deadly disease through contaminated blood in the biggest scandal in NHS history are being denied a lifesaving drug.

About 7,500 victims are known to have been infected with hepatitis C in the 1970s and 1980s through imported blood products taken from high-risk donors such as prostitutes and prisoners.

A breakthrough drug called Sofosbuvir was approved in January by drugs regulator NICE and patients were told they would have to wait until April to get the ten-week course of tablets, which costs £45,000. 

But NHS England has decided on a further delay until August to ensure all patients have equal access to treatment.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3075151/NHS-denies-lifesaving-drug-5-000-patients-gave-infected-blood-Sofosbuvir-approved-regulators-victims-waiting-treatment.html#ixzz3ZhNPqkvn