Alimta Approved for Mesothelioma

Britain’s healthcare “watchdog� NICE, recently gave doctors clearance to use Eli Lily and Co’s medication Alimta to help treat mesothelioma.
Thus far, a cure for mesothelioma has not been found but using medications such as Alimta has proven to be beneficial for those suffering from the illness, according to
researchers.
Reversal of Decision Regarding Medication
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence was finally issued final clearance for the National Health Service to provide the medication after much debate surrounding the drug.
Alimta has been approved to be used on patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma and aren’t eligible for surgery.
The approval is a reversal of a 2006 NICE decision that the drug, also known as pemetrexed disodium, wasn’t cost-effective for the illness.
Mesothelioma Becoming More Common
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is associated with asbestos exposure and can take from 20-50 years to detect in patients.
People are often exposed to asbestos through the handling of products containing the substance or the inhalation or ingestion of the fibers.

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