(Washington, DC)– US Representative Sue Myrick (NC-09) has released the following statement in response to the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to remove approval for Avastin, a popular and successful treatment for metastatic breast cancer:

“Patients suffering from this devastating disease deserve better. Metastatic breast cancer is a fatal diagnosis. The FDA must be able to honestly and impartially ensure that approved drugs are safe and effective. But it should also recognize that when illnesses are fatal, patients are often willing to tolerate substantial risk in exchange for possible benefit – in consultation with their physicians. This treatment may not work for all, or even most, metastatic breast cancer patients, but it seems to work for some. I hope to work with my colleagues through the legislative process to address some of the reasons behind today's FDA decision.”

More information on Rep. Myrick’s efforts to prevent this decision:

July 28, 2010 - Myrick Raises Concerns About FDA Actions To Discontinue Approval for Breast Cancer Treatment

July 7, 2011 – Myrick Questions FDA on Avastin Approval

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