§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many people are estimated to be still suffering from photosensitivity as a result of taking Opren; and how many people are estimated to be suffering from a liver condition as a result of taking the drug;
(2) what information he has as to how many people aged over 65 years took part in the clinical trials for Opren, and as to the average length of time that such people took part in the trial;
(3) how many people are estimated to have taken the drug Opren; and how many of these were aged over 65 years;
(4) if he or his officials have had any discussions with Eli Lilly about the possibility of the company establishing a structured compensation scheme for the alleged victims of the drug Opren;
(5) how many people are estimated to have died as a result of taking Opren.
§ Mr. NewtonThese questions concern matters contained in current legal actions before the High Court against both the licensing authority and the Committee on Safety of Medicines. I am advised that they are therefore sub-judice.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in each calendar year since Opren received a product licence, how many adverse reaction cards relating to it have been received by the Committee on Safety of Medicines; and how many in each year indicated a death.
§ Mr. NewtonThe figures are not readily available in the form requested. I refer the right hon. Member to the debate in the House on 27 January 1983, at columns 1098–1122 and to the Committee on Safety of Medicines' update in theBritish Medical Journal of 3 May 1986 volume 292 pages 1190–1191.