My name is Ina Requilet and in March 2024, I was diagnosed with an aggressive mutation of colorectal cancer (CRCA) in my rectum, stage T4N1M0. Despite undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the disease continued to progress. By June 2024, it had spread extensively to my uterus, pelvic area, and possibly my bones.

I started radiation treatment, and further scans (PET/CT, MRI) in August 2024 confirmed continued disease progression.

My doctor has worked hard to get me access to a targeted therapy from Pfizer that could switch off the mutation, and Pfizer has agreed to provide it on compassionate grounds. However, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is delaying the process with bureaucratic red tape. They are holding up approval needed for the drug, which is not yet registered in South Africa under MCC Section 21.

Both my doctor and Pfizer have appealed to SAHPRA, highlighting that this is a Phase 3 drug already approved in the US based on the BEACON study, and it has proven to be more effective than conventional treatments. Despite their efforts, SAHPRA continues to reject the necessary approval, preventing me from accessing this life-saving treatment.

Without this treatment, I have a predicted lifespan 18-24 months. I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, sister, and friend and I am not willing to stop fighting this fight. Please can you sign the petition below in support of the release of my medication from customs and thank you for your support.