Leo Varadkar: Drug trials or joint risk approach needed

Either trials of the drug used by cervical cancer survivor Vicky Phelan or a joint State-company risk approach to using it may be needed to ensure all women have equal access to the treatment, says Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Pembrolizumab (Pembro) has been offered to 221 women caught up in the CervicalCheck crisis, but not to others. A dose every three weeks costs €8,500, said Ms Phelan, adding that all women should get access to Pembro, which has improved her life.