Tumors, '3 billion from the innovative drugs fund unused in 9 years'

In nine years (2018-2025), three billion euros from the Fund for Innovative Drugs have gone unused, with a steadily growing trend. In 2018, in fact, 91% of the resources were spent, while in 2025 only 53%. Most of the therapies included in the Fund are oncological: they include 31 of the 55 indications in 2025, amounting to 353 million euros, more than half of the spending (700 million). The consequences are serious: the failure to use the funds can translate into the unavailability of innovative anti-cancer treatments for patients, creating inequalities at the territorial level. Oncologists have shone a spotlight on the problem on the occasion of the opening of the XXVIII National Congress of Aiom (Italian Association of Medical Oncology), dedicated precisely to 'Equitable Innovation', pointing to the need to eliminate the disparities that still exist. The interval between reimbursement approval by the Italian Medicines Agency (Aifa) and the awarding of the purchase tender can range from 100 to 400 days in different Regions (the average time is 165 days). There are various causes, oncologists explain. On the one hand, there remain twenty-one regional pathways, multiple purchase tender models, and local organizational choices, which contribute to creating inequity in access. On the other hand, the time spent in the Fund can also have an impact. The maximum duration of the recognition of therapeutic innovativeness is 3 years, with no possibility of extension, not even in the absence of more effective therapies. Today, they warn, the failure to use the resources is leading to a reduction of the Fund. The 2026 Budget Law has established that, starting from 2026, it will be reduced by 140 million euros per year. Aiom is therefore making a precise request: a new model of innovation governance that removes local bureaucratic and administrative obstacles to the immediate availability of new drugs and that allows, in some cases, therapies to remain in the Fund for up to 5 years. Pope: promote adequate prevention and information in every social sphere "In expressing lively appreciation for the professional commitment of doctors, healthcare workers, and volunteers in caring for cancer patients and assisting their families, the Supreme Pontiff hopes that this significant event will inspire a renewed desire to continue offering Christian support to those experiencing suffering and to promote adequate prevention and information in every social sphere." This is what is written in a message sent to the XVIII Congress of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (Aiom), signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, which conveys the Pope's wishes and "benedictory greeting." "Pope Leo XIV - the message reads - while encouraging them to continue in this particular mission, invokes the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary and gladly sends to each one the apostolic blessing." Mattarella: spreading treatments is essential to strengthening the right to health "The spread of treatments is an essential element for making the benefits of progress in medical trials effective and therefore for strengthening the universal scope of the fundamental right to health, as enshrined in Article 32 of the Constitution." This was stated by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in a message to the XXVIII congress of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology (Aiom), which opened today in Rome. "The Aiom national congress constitutes a fruitful opportunity for discussion and analysis on the advancement of treatments and techniques for cancer prevention, addressing in particular, in this edition - Mattarella underlines - the important issue of accessibility of innovation in the oncology field." Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA