Drug companies are scrapping free access to breakthrough cancer treatments as the time ­between product registration and full approval blows out, potentially risking the lives of thousands of patients.

Novartis Oncology, the cancer division of the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, will no longer provide free access to new drugs that, ­despite having Therapeutic Goods Administration approval, are not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Roche, which is the largest supplier of oncology drugs in Australia, including breast cancer drugs Herceptin and Kadcyla, has confirmed to The Australian that it recently adopted a new policy for providing early access to medicines not yet publicly funded, with most patients now required to pay part of the costs.

It currently takes an average of 573 days to be listed on the PBS after approval, says Medicines Australia, the industry lobby.

For more details, go to: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/cancer-patients-lose-free-lifesaving-drugs/story-fn59nokw-1227305542559