AQW 20603/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health what proposals he has to make sapropterin (Kuvan) avaialble for routine use, as in neighbouring countries and in line with National Institute for Clinical Guidance advice to be published in August 2021, to reduce the risk of permanent brain damage in children diagnosed with Phenylketonuria.

Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 18 June 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
18 June 2021
Answer due by
5 July 2021
Answered
28 June 202110 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

My Department has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) under which technology appraisals for drugs are reviewed locally for their applicability here. Where found to be applicable they are endorsed by my Department for implementation within the Health and Social Care system.

The NICE expects to publish final guidance on 18 August 2021, after which my Department will consider it under the process set out in circular HSC (SQSD) 2/13 available at:

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/dhssps/hsc-sqsd-2-13.pdf

Official sources