§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the use of Copaxone in the treatment of MS; [30379]
(2) how long the decision to prescribe beta interferon and Copaxone for MS sufferers has been under review; and what guidance is in place for health authorities in relation to prescribing Copaxone; [30377]
(3 when he expects to make a final decision on the prescription of beta interferon and Copaxone; [30381]
(4) if he will list health authority interferon and Copaxone are made patients;
(5) what recent representations he has received from patients using Copaxone; and if he will make a statement. [30378]
§ Ms BlearsIn August 1999, we asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to conduct a detailed appraisal of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of beta interferon and glatiramer acetate (brand name Copaxone). NICE issued its guidance on 4 February 2002. NICE recommends that these products are not cost effective on the current arrangements for supply to the NHS.
On 5 September 2001, following NICE's recommendation in its Provisional Appraisal Determination, the Department of Health commenced discussions with the manufacturers of beta interferon and glatiramer acetate about the possible provision of these therapies for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on the national health service in a manner which could be considered to be cost-effective. These discussions are complete and on Monday 4 February we announced details of an innovative scheme to make these products available on the NHS. The scheme starts on 6 May 2002. Details are contained in Health Service Circular 2002/004 which has been issued widely across the NHS.
We do not hold information centrally on individual health authority policies on treatments for MS.
According to our records, since 5 September (when the discussions with manufacturers commenced) we have received no written representations from patients using glatiramer acetate.