For Immediate Release
6/26/07

CONTACT:

Liz Ferry
Phone: 215-368-1500

Senator Wonderling Legislation to Create Cancer Drug Repository Passes Senate

Senate approves bill to help uninsured cancer patients get access to medication

HARRISBURG - Today, the Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation (SB 638) to establish a cancer drug repository in Pennsylvania to help uninsured patients and those in need gain access to safe, unused cancer medications. Cancer patients who are uninsured or underinsured could access these medications through a network of participating pharmacies and medical clinics. 

“There are few words more frightening then being told you have cancer. Worse yet, may be being told you can’t afford the prescription drugs available to help you beat your cancer. Today, families often spend thousands of dollars a month for treatment. New drugs are giving hope to millions of cancer patients by treating the disease in new ways, but many are expensive. We must find ways to get these life-saving drugs to the people who need them,” said Senator Wonderling. 

Many factors drive up the pricing of these drugs, including the high cost of research and development and complex and expensive manufacturing processes. Drug companies discovering and manufacturing these amazing drugs are tirelessly working to get results and get drugs that work to market. 

A similar measure (HB 186) has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by Representative Timothy J. Solobay. 

The American Cancer Society has stated that unused cancer medication is a valuable resource for low-income patients.  A growing number of states have already established successful cancer drug repositories, such as Wisconsin, Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. 

Under Senator Wonderling’s legislation, a health care facility, health clinic, hospital, pharmacy or physician’s office could return unused drugs.  Only medications in their original, sealed, and tamper-resistant packaging would be accepted and dispensed. 

Donations would also have to be accompanied by a cancer drug repository donor form that is signed by the donor or that person’s authorized representative. Medication used for pain, anxiety, and sleep could not be donated according to federal law.