You may be aware of reports in the media today about a shortage of the drug Doxil, known in Australia as Caelyx.
Caelyx is primarily used to treat ovarian cancer, but is also sometimes used in the treatment of secondary breast cancer. In Australia, fewer than 100 women are currently being treated with the drug.
BCNA was advised about shortages in the supply of Caelyx last September. The company that markets it in Australia, Janssen (a pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson), contacted us to let us know about the issue.
Janssen has been working closely with medical oncologists and other interested stakeholders, including BCNA, to keep them informed on the availability of Caelyx.
The shortage is worldwide and is not restricted to Australia. The American company that produces Caelyx has stopped making the drug while it upgrades its equipment. It hopes to be back in production in March this year.
BCNA is concerned that there is only one manufacturer of Caelyx. We feel the shortage is being managed as well as possible given the circumstances, however.
Janssen has advised that medical oncologists have been provided with sufficient supplies for women currently being treated with Caelyx to continue their treatment, however no new women are being treated with it until the supply issues are resolved.
