§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) undertaken and (b) evaluated into the use of thalidomide in the treatment of (i) leprosy, (ii) tuberculosis and (iii) AIDS-related wasting and mouth ulcers; and if he will make a statement. [15009]
§ Ms JowellThalidomide is not used in the United Kingdom in the treatment of tuberculosis. It has an important place in the management of some patients with leprosy as set out in the Departments "Memorandum on Leprosy". The Department has considered studies carried out on the use of thalidomide in the treatment of leprosy but has not undertaken research in this area. Copies of the latest edition of the Memorandum, issued in August of this year, are available in the Library. Thalidomide has been used for treating AIDS related wasting and mouth ulcers but the Department has not undertaken or evaluated any research on this topic. As thalidomide is not licensed for such treatments it is only available on a "named664W patient basis" and the use of the drug is a matter for clinicians and patients to discuss and agree according to individual circumstances.