§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the effect has been of the Orphan Drug law on(a) hospitals and (b) patients in the Portsmouth, South constituency; and if he will make a statement. [64726]
§ Ms BlearsNo assessment has been made centrally of the effect of the European Union Orphan Drug regulations on the Portsmouth, South constituency.
The Orphan Drug regulations are vital to encourage drug companies to produce clinically tested medicines for disorders that affect a very small number of people. Without the regulations these drugs would not be available.