The NHS has announced it will fast-track a groundbreaking therapy to treat graft versus host disease.
Cancer patients who have undergone life-saving stem cell transplants now have newfound hope in the battle against chronic graft versus host disease, with NHS England set to introduce Belumosudil (Rezurock®), a medicine specifically designed to combat this rare but severe complication.
The announcement follows Rare Disease Day, which highlights over 7,000 rare diseases that impact around 3.5 million people in the UK.
Belumosudil’s inclusion in the NHS Innovative Medicines Fund signifies a pivotal advancement in the management of rare diseases.
As the fourth treatment to be fast-tracked through this programme, following a treatment for Wolman disease last year, it underscores the importance of accelerating access to transformative therapies for patients facing complex health challenges.
James Palmer, NHS England’s Medical Director for Specialised Services, commented: “This rollout is a real breakthrough for patients with graft versus host disease, and it will help people living with this debilitating condition effectively manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life and daily functioning.
“It’s great news that the NHS has been able to fast track funding for a treatment which will have a significant impact for hundreds of patients over the coming years.”
What is graft versus host disease?
Graft versus host disease, a condition affecting around one-third of patients who receive stem cell or bone marrow transplants for blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma, presents a formidable challenge.
Despite the success of these transplants, approximately 400 recipients annually in England alone encounter this serious complication.
In graft versus host disease, the transplanted white blood cells turn against the recipient’s organs, leading to inflammation and weakened immune systems, making patients susceptible to infections.
Belumosudil: A major treatment breakthrough
Traditional treatments like chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapies often fall short in managing the disease, particularly in severe cases.
Belumosudil emerges as a promising solution, targeting the proteins responsible for the inflammatory response characteristic of the disease.
Administered once daily as a tablet, this innovative medicine not only addresses the underlying pathology but also offers the convenience of home-based treatment, minimising hospital visits for patients.
Approximately 200 patients grappling with the condition, unresponsive to previous therapies, are poised to benefit from this initiative over the next three years.
Dr Robert Danby, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Anthony Nolan, the stem cell transplant charity, added: “We know from our patients only too well the devastating effect chronic graft versus host disease can have on a person’s physical and mental health.
“This is welcome news for stem cell transplant recipients across England and Wales who struggle with this debilitating, life-threatening condition. We are investing in vital research to help even more patients survive and thrive after a stem cell transplant.”
The introduction of Belumosudil represents a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of chronic graft versus host disease, reaffirming the NHS’s commitment to delivering innovative and effective care to all who need it.
