GcMAF cancer drug imports 'could resume' in Guernsey

Ed Freestone said all the known sources of local supplies of GcMAF had come from the UK

The importation of an unlicensed cancer treatment into Guernsey could resume if a "safe supply" is found.

A ban on imports of GcMAF imposed last month has been widened to include any product which contains it or "purports to contain it".

But the island's border agency has said it may issue licenses to import the drug "in appropriate circumstances".

The ban was prompted by a public health warning issued after a factory in Cambridge was inspected.

Peter Knee, from the Guernsey Border Agency, said import licences for individuals would only be issued with the approval of the Health and Social Services Department (HSSD), or the Home Departments.

"In practical terms the amendment does not alter the current position with regard to anyone desiring to import GcMAF, or any product containing GcMAF," he said.

"Such importation remains prohibited, unless an import licence is obtained."

GcMAF

• Sold by First Immune, Globulin component Macrophage Activating Factor (GcMAF) is controversial in cancer research circles

• Proponents say the naturally-occurring protein stimulates macrophages (a type of white blood cell), which kills invasive cells and alerts other immune cells to the presence of infection

• They say natural production of GcMAF is blocked by an enzyme called Nagalase produced by many cancers, so injecting cancer patients with additional GcMAF activates the body's own immune system

• Critics, including Cancer Research UK, have said there are "significant scientific problems" with trials

• They say trial groups were small and patients were receiving conventional treatment as well

It is understood the drug is produced in about 10 factories around the world - with the Cambridge plant the only one in the UK.

Before the import ban David Noakes, boss of producers Immuno Biotech, supplied GcMAF to island residents free of charge.

The company's website claims it can be used to treat a range of conditions including cancer, HIV and autism.

Ed Freestone, chief pharmacist for HSSD, said: "All known sources of local supplies were originating in the UK and were marked as First Immune product according to information that was available."

He said the change in law provided "a greater degree of clarity as to how the import of GcMAF is controlled".

Mr Freestone said: "By specifically listing GcMAF products as 'prohibited imports', the authorities remain able, in appropriate circumstances, to consider a proposal to import this product from an alternative source."