Sharp criticism continues over AstraZeneca’s withdrawal of breast cancer drug

AstraZeneca’s decision to withdraw a key breast cancer drug formulation of a widely used hormonal therapy has triggered pointed scrutiny, exposing tensions between global commercial strategy and continuity of patient access.

At the Budget Estimates hearing, Independent Senator for the ACT, David Pocock, challenged the rationale behind the move, arguing that it appeared inconsistent that the Zoladex (goserelin) 3.6mg formulation linked to breast cancer treatment would be discontinued while another, more commonly associated with prostate cancer, would remain available.

He called the decision “ridiculous and very disappointing”, and pointed to concerns raised by a Canberran living with stage four breast cancer. He pressed officials on the number of patients affected and sought clarity on the scale of dependence on the treatment.

Deputy Secretary for Health Resourcing at the Department of Health Penny Shakespeare said the government is exploring substitute GnRH agonists already registered with the TGA and working with other suppliers to find alternatives.

Data provided by Rebecca Richardson from the Technology Assessment and Access Division indicated the scale of prescribing pressure. In 2025,over 94,000 scripts were dispensed for the 3.6mg presentation, equating to roughly 7,800 patients. However, officials cautioned that this figure spans multiple clinical indications, not exclusively breast cancer.

McIntyre added that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) had recommended efforts be made to retain the medicine, but confirmed the company had advised it is withdrawing the medicine from multiple international markets, not only Australia.

Attention then turned to patient access assurances, after Senator Pocock raised concerns about inconsistent messaging between AstraZeneca and individual patients regarding post-withdrawal supply arrangements.

Officials said AstraZeneca had provided assurances to government that eligible patients would continue to receive access for six months beyond delisting, with the arrangement subject to ongoing six-monthly review.

Richards confirmed the department has raised concerns directly with AstraZeneca following representations from constituents and will meet the company in coming weeks to follow up, noting that formal delisting does not take effect until 1 November 2026.

The session concluded with a broader policy discussion on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatments for patients under 18 years of age. Senator Pocock raised recent PBAC decisions regarding access to adalimumab and infliximab for patients with Crohn’s disease at high risk of complications. Officials confirmed the measure is progressing, with a PBS listing anticipated in July or August following departmental processes.

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