§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from the medical profession concerning the possible benefits of the use of biologic drugs Etanercept and infliximab as an early treatment to halt the development of rheumatoid arthritis. [124266]
§ Dr. LadymanWe are not aware of having received any representations from the medical profession on this subject. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence reported on these drugs in 2002, so we would expect that any representations would have been received them. There has, however, been correspondence from right hon. and hon. Members and the public, as well as several Parliamentary Questions, on anti-TNF therapy.
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§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent by the NHS on the(a) use of biologic drugs Etanercept and infliximab as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and (b) disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including methotrexate in each of the last five years. [124267]
§ Dr. LadymanThe use of these groups of drugs (all fall within BNF 10.1.3, Rheumatic Disease Suppressant drugs) in the community is negligible. They are used extensively in hospitals. We do not hold information centrally about expenditure on drugs prescribed and dispensed in hospitals.