health
When will 10 innovative drugs be available for cancer patients in Serbia?
The Republican Health Insurance Fund (RFZO) signed an agreement with AstraZeneca for innovative drugs intended for cancer patients in Serbia at the beginning of April, however, it is still unknown when the application of these drugs will actually start.
TL;DR
- The Republican Health Insurance Fund (RFZO) signed an agreement with AstraZeneca in early April for innovative cancer drugs.
- The drugs are considered the 'best and most expensive in the world' and will be available for 10 new indications.
- These innovative therapies are aimed at treating breast, liver, lung, bile duct, ovarian, and bladder cancers.
- The availability of the drugs is contingent upon their adoption by the Serbian government and the completion of public procurement procedures.
- The process from government adoption to drugs being available in hospitals is estimated to take one to one and a half months, including tenders.
- The Ministry of Health has not yet provided a response regarding when these drugs will be presented to the government.
- Patient advocacy groups highlight the importance of genetic testing (HRD status) for targeted therapies, especially for ovarian cancer.
- These modern treatments aim to prolong life and improve its quality, potentially making cancer a manageable chronic disease.
- Investments in innovative therapies in Serbia have significantly increased, with 110 innovative drugs secured between 2013 and 2026.