§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on what research into the potential merits and negative effects of genetically engineered human insulin the decision to instruct NHS purchasers to cease to buy animal insulins and to transfer diabetics to genetically engineered human insulin was based; [83337]
(2) what guidance his Department gives to clinicians concerning the relative merits and negative effects of genetically engineered human insulin and animal insulin. [83338]
§ Mr. HuttonDecisions as to the most suitable type of insulin for particular patients are matters for the clinicians involved, in discussion with their patients. The Department has not issued guidance to clinicians on the relative merits of human and animal insulin, and it has 67W given no instructions to the National Health Service about their use. The Committee on Safety of Medicines will continue to monitor closely the safety of insulins.