HC Deb 27 March 2003 vol 402 cc387-8W
Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients are receiving anti-TNFa treatment. [103272]

Mr. Hutton

We do not hold centrally information about drugs prescribed and dispensed in hospitals, which is where the anti-TNFa drugs, Etanercept (Enbrel) and Infliximab (Remicade) are prescribed.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) was asked to appraise the use of anti-TNFa drugs and issued its guidance on 22 March 2002. NICE has recommended the use of Etanercept for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Etanercept and Infliximab for rhematoid arthritis.

We have issued directions obliging health authorities and primary care trusts to provide appropriate funding for recommended treatments. This is in line with our manifesto commitment to ensure that patients receive drugs and treatments recommended by NICE on the national health service if deemed appropriate by their clinicians.