The manufacturer of an experimental cancer treatment, which is being used by Mooncoin woman Vicky Phelan, has no plan to fund a drug trial in Ireland.
The Sunday Business Post reports that manufacturer MSD would need to conduct a broader trial than what is available in Ireland in order to gain EU approval.
Vicky Phelan, who was instrumental in bringing the Cervical Check scandal to light earlier this year, is currently receiving the experimental treatment 'pembrolizumab' which is made by MSD.
Health Minister Simon Harris had said that access to the immunotherapy treatment would be extended to other victims of the scandal.
However the company have said that they are not in a position to expand the rollout of the drug as a further research programme is required.
MSD said that they would not be able to enter a risk sharing agreement with the Irish State wherein only positive outcomes from the treatment would be paid for.
Dublin-based oncologists Prof. John Crown and Dr. Darragh Fennelly have submitted a proposal for a clinical trial to Minister Harris.
Prof. Crown is quoted as saying he was disquieted "that 'Pembro' was being made available on a limited basis and not to all women affected."
