A DRUGS firm has secured an NHS deal to help patients fight cancer and tuberculosis.

Quantum Pharma has been awarded an 18-month contract by Yorkshire and Humber NHS Pharmaceutical Purchasing Consortium (PPC).

Bosses say the agreement, which could be extended by two years, will see Quantum supply nearly 3,000 patients with thousands of drugs, such as anti-tuberculosis treatment and oral chemotherapy medicines.

The work will be carried out by Quantum’s Biodose Services division, which is known for providing pre-prepared medication to care homes and patients at home.

The company expects to start delivering products later this year, and the contract follows a deal with The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to supply arthritis drugs.

Quantum, based in Burnopfield, near Stanley, County Durham, employs about 250 people, with its various divisions supplying treatments to respond to a unique prescription.

Workers can alter a drug’s potency, assess ingredients to counter allergies, and change the form of a medicine from a tablet to a liquid.

Reacting to the NHS deal, Andrew Scaife, Quantum chief executive, said he was hopeful of further contracts to strengthen its industry position.

He said: “This shows the strength of Biodose Services.

“Alongside our Biodose devices, we aim to reduce the burden of medication non-compliance on the NHS, and allow patients to remain in a familiar environment, rather than spending unnecessary time in hospital.

“This contract provides an excellent platform to drive further penetration of Biodose and identify further niche medicines, and we look forward to working with Yorkshire and Humber NHS PPC to explore further opportunities.”

Quantum previously confirmed work on 70 other drugs, with nearly 20 products under assessment by Government regulators, adding its Colonis division, which develops medicines, was behind the surge.

Earlier this year, the business bought rival NuPharm Group in a near £13m deal to make more of its own lines, reduce third party arrangements and increase production.

It also took on Lamda, which provides development services across various part of Europe, from laboratories in Athens.

Quantum is responsible for more than 30,000 products, ranging from methadone reefers to cancer treatments.