Ian Worrall, from Barrow, was diagnosed with a cancer called cholangiocarcinoma in January 2024, with drug regorafenib being considered as a treatment option.
The implementation of VAT on donations of medicines saw the pharmaceutical company providing it withdraw from the compassionate-use programme in a case that was brought to Parliament by MP Michelle Scrogham last month.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed that a ‘new approach’ was being adopted, which has since been ratified in the latest Budget.
Mrs Scrogham said: “After I raised Ian Worrall’s case with the Prime Minister, I’m pleased that the Government has been good to their word and announced in the Budget that they will remove VAT as a barrier for free-of-charge donations of innovative medicines.
“The VAT issue had led pharmaceutical company Bayer to withdraw from the compassionate use scheme and this has been preventing Ian from accessing the life-extending treatment he needs.”
Ian, pictured with wife Emma, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2024 (Image: Submitted)
Because cholangiocarcinoma affects a relatively small number of people, treatment options can become limited quickly.
Ian and wife Emma shared their thanks for Mrs Scrogham’s efforts in bringing the issue to Prime Minister’s Questions.
The couple previously launched a petition and were the subject of an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons.
“I’ve spoken to the Chancellor’s team and HMRC officials will be reaching out to Bayer to ensure they now have the information they need,” Mrs Scrogham added.
“I have also continued to speak directly with Bayer representatives, and I am now asking that they provide an update as to whether they will be rejoining the scheme and how long that might take.
“Ultimately this is now Bayer’s decision, the ball is very much in their court, but for Ian’s sake I am hoping they will now re-join the scheme as quickly as possible.”