HC Deb 10 December 2003 vol 415 cc501-2W
Mrs. Helen Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has collated on the availability of licensed treatments for ankylosing spondylitis. [140487]

Ms Rosie Winterton

According to the records kept by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) there are currently 426 marketing authorisations granted for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Most contain Ibuprofen that is indicated for this condition.

There is also a European Marketing Authorisation for Infliximab (Remicade) granted by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA). This is a prescription-only medicine.

Of these products, 389 are only available through the prescription of a registered doctor. Of the others, 21 are available by a prescription or a retail pharmacy, 14 are available by prescription, retail pharmacy or general retail outlet, one is only available through a retail pharmacy and one is available by a prescription or general retail outlet.

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