Sue Johnson and Lenalidomide
Sue Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and with Multiple Myeloma in 2014. While she was initially able to access a generic lenalidomide treatment from India on a Section 21 authorisation from the Medicines Control Council at a price of about R5000 per month, this was revoked in 2016 when the originator product from Celgene, Revlimid, was registered in South Africa, at a cost of R882 000 per year.
Speaking at the Cancer Alliance Round Table held on 30th January 2018 Sue said:
“You know what? I think, for me, if I can access this medicine, then … then I can live a few more years, and I can be a voice, for all of those who cannot access this generic medication.”
Watch Sue Johnson telling her personal story about living with Multiple Myeloma and the challenges of getting access to Lenalidomide in South Africa.