HL Deb 10 July 2000 vol 615 cc7-8WA
Earl Baldwin of Bewdley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their assessment of the recent trial published in the Journal of Molecular Medicine (78:55–62) showing benefit to immunological functions in HIV + patients from supplementation with amino acid n-acetyl-cysteine; and whether they will review their advice on the treatment of HIV/AIDS in the light of it. [HL3103]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Government do not assess individual trial results neither do they issue clinical guidelines for treatment of HIV/AIDS. The choice of treatment is a matter for discussion and agreement between an individual patient and his or her doctor.

Comprehensive clinical guidelines for antiretroviral treatment of HIV-infected adults, which carry a wide consensus, were issued by the British HIV Association in March 2000. These guidelines are being considered by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.