Access to New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Hindered by Insurance Delays
By Editor • September 8, 2026 • 2 min read
Despite the recent FDA approval of Rasonque, a groundbreaking drug for pancreatic cancer, patients face significant challenges in accessing it due to insurance complications. Kelsey Solano, a critical care nurse, found herself in a frustrating predicament after the closure of the expanded access program, which had previously offered hope for her husband Juan, who battles metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Challenges Following FDA Approval
When the FDA granted approval for Rasonque last month, it was a moment of joy for many, yet it quickly turned sour for families like the Solanos. The closure of the early access program left patients like Juan, who were in the midst of obtaining the drug, in a state of limbo. Julie Fleshman, president of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, noted that this transition period complicates access for many patients who were counting on the drug’s availability.
Insurance Issues Complicate Access
As Kelsey navigated the process to secure Rasonque through her insurer Aetna, she encountered a maze of bureaucratic hurdles. Aetna informed her that the drug had not yet been added to its system, preventing them from initiating a prior authorization request. The situation is made even more dire by the fact that the drug costs nearly $40,000 per month, a price tag that is impossible for many families to bear without insurance support.
A Desperate Search for Solutions
In a race against time, Kelsey made 61 phone calls within 48 hours, desperately seeking a way for her husband to obtain the medication. At the same time, her daughter’s nonprofit, which raised funds for pancreatic cancer research, highlighted the painful reality of their situation. Despite their efforts, Kelsey could only afford a seven-day supply of the drug, leading her to seek financial assistance in order to cover the costs. The struggle for access to Rasonque underscores a larger issue within the healthcare system, where regulatory approvals do not guarantee timely insurance coverage for new treatments.
Source: www.statnews.com
