§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in the treatment of motor neurone disease; and if he will make a statement. [2878]
§ Mr. HoramA new drug called riluzole is, so far, the only treatment shown to slow the progression of one type of motor neurone disease. Other drugs to treat motor neurone disease are currently undergoing clinical42W investigation. The national health service and local social services authorities assist sufferers from motor neurone disease through symptom control and by provision of services such as speech and language therapy and domiciliary support.
§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the methods of treatment of motor neurone disease in the United States of America; and if he will make a statement. [2879]
§ Mr. HoramRiluzole was available in the United States of America before the marketing authorization in Europe was granted. The assessment of riluzole, to determine its availability in Europe, was undertaken by the United Kingdom licensing authority on behalf of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency.