A GWENT AM has called for pancreatic cancer patients in Wales to continue to have access to a lifesaving drug which is to be withdrawn in England.

Speaking in the Senedd today, Conservative AM for South Wales East Mohammed Asghar asked First Minister Carwyn Jones to work to ensure Abraxane remained available to Welsh patients.

“Pancreatic cancer has the worst survival rate of the 21 most common cancers in Wales,” he said.

“The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has said that the cancer drug Abraxane should not be funded by the NHS in England due to cost.

“I am seeking assurances from the Welsh Government that pancreatic cancer sufferers will continue to receive this life extending drug on the NHS in Wales.”

The First Minister replied the government was currently in discussions with the manufacturers of the drug, and it would remain available to patients in Wales in the interim.