§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he is giving haemophilia patients regarding the safety of human plasma-derived factor 8 with respect to(a) hepatitis A, B, C, (b) Aids and (c) CJD. [156360]
§ Mr. DenhamSince the mid 1980s, blood products for haemophiliacs have been treated to destroy hepatitis C and HIV as well as a range of other viruses. The United Kingdom haemophilia centre doctors organisation guidelines state that all patients who are not immune to hepatitis A or B and who receive blood products should be vaccinated. There is no evidence world-wide that CJD of any type has been transmitted via blood or blood products, although the possibility cannot be ruled out entirely. All blood products used by the National Health Service in England are made from imported plasma.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to obtain supplies of synthetic Factor VIII for the treatment of haemophilia in the United Kingdom while the Bayer plant in the USA is closed. [156359]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Department has been advised by Bayer that the rate of supply of their synthetic Factor VIII has been curtailed for a limited period following an inspection of their manufacturing facility in the United States by the Food and Drugs Administration. During this period officials are working closely with the United Kingdom haemophilia centre doctors organisation and other suppliers of clotting factors to manage the situation in a way that best meets the needs of haemophilia patients.