§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the links between possible genetic defects and the poor metabolising of certain drugs; and if he will make a statement. [11012]
§ Mr. MilburnA link between genetically inherited enzyme status and the metabolism of certain drugs is well known and is documented in medical literature and, for relevant drugs, in the manufacturers' product information, which is authorised by the Licensing Authority. Such an effect on drug metabolism is taken into account in the development of new drugs and in post-marketing safety monitoring by the Medicines Control Agency. Also, the Medical Research Council has on-going programmes of research in this area.