Thousands of Women in England Get Lifesaving Breast Cancer Drug on NHS
Tens of thousands more women at high risk of breast cancer could soon benefit from a proven preventive drug on the NHS. The MHRA has officially licensed Anastrozole — a drug already used in breast cancer treatment — for preventive use.
Experts estimate this move could prevent around 2,000 cases of breast cancer across England.
Game-Changing Licence for Breast Cancer Prevention
Anastrozole, now off-patent, has been shown in trials to slash breast cancer risk by nearly 50% in post-menopausal women at increased risk. Despite NICE recommending it in 2017, its previous unlicensed status meant low uptake.
Now, under NHS England’s Medicines Repurposing Programme, anastrozole gains a new official preventive licence. This means women with a strong family history of breast cancer and others at moderate or high risk—around 289,000 in total—could be eligible.
Huge NHS Savings and Hope for Thousands
- If just 25% of eligible women take the drug, roughly 2,000 breast cancer cases could be stopped in their tracks.
- The NHS could save about £15 million in treatment costs.
- The treatment involves a simple 1mg tablet taken daily for five years.
NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard hailed the licensing as “exciting,” saying it will help women avoid the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis.
A New Era in Medicine Repurposing
The licence was secured by Accord Healthcare on a not-for-profit basis through a competitive process. NHS England’s Medicines Repurposing Programme, launched in 2021, is focused on discovering new uses for existing drugs—building on successes from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anastrozole is the first drug to be officially repurposed under this innovative scheme.
Watch for Side Effects and Patient Support
While anastrozole is a breakthrough, it can cause side effects like hot flushes, joint pain, nausea, and depression. Patients are urged to report any issues to their doctor or via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
Leaders Praise Move as Huge Step Forward
Health Minister Will Quince said the approval is “a great example” of innovation helping NHS patients through repurposed medicines.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, Breast Cancer Now Chief Executive, called the licensing a “major step forward” for women with a family history of breast cancer. She highlighted hopes for even better access to life-saving drugs in future.
Jonathan Wilson, Senior VP at Accord Healthcare, described the licensing as “a profound step forward,” offering new hope and proof of the company’s commitment to healthcare progress.
