Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Prostate
Cancer UK, said: "Prostate Cancer UK has been campaigning to ensure
all men who need this groundbreaking drug are able to access it on
the NHS regardless of where they live in the UK. We are therefore
delighted that abiraterone has been approved for routine use on the
NHS in Northern Ireland, following a similar outcome in England
& Wales. This is a long overdue piece of good news for all the
men with incurable prostate cancer in Northern Ireland.
"Abiraterone can significantly reduce pain
and other symptoms as well as extend life by an average of 4
months. We therefore urge local health boards in Northern Ireland
to waste no time in putting in place the necessary arrangements to
ensure that men who need the drug can access it without delay.
"Delighted though we are with this
decision, our campaign will continue until men in Scotland are able
to access abiraterone via the NHS too."