Health Minister Mike Nesbitt confirmed that an injectable form of the cancer immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, known as Keytruda, is available at three of Northern Ireland's five health trusts.

The drug treats multiple cancers by enabling the immune system to target cancer cells. Patients previously received it via intravenous drip, which takes over an hour in hospital. The new injectable version administers in one to two minutes every three or six weeks, depending on the diagnosis.

Nesbitt noted that the rollout began in April of last year at the three trusts as part of a transition to update clinical protocols and reduce waste of the infusion version.

He stated that the change saves time for patients undergoing cancer treatment and allows clinicians to treat more people.

The injectable form became available across UK NHS hospitals following approval by the UK's medicines regulator. Local health trusts manage their own implementation schedules.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard wrote to Nesbitt urging immediate access to the treatment after its announcement for England and Wales. Hazzard requested a timeline for full availability in Northern Ireland.

Nesbitt indicated plans to soon extend the drug to all health trusts for suitable patients.