Thalidomide
Health
Written answers and statements, 28 October 2009
John Pugh (Southport, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has funded research into the potential effectiveness of the use of Thalidomide in the treatment of certain illnesses.
Mike O'Brien (Minister of State (Health Services), Department of Health; North Warwickshire, Labour)
I am told that the Department has not funded research into the effectiveness of thalidomide in the treatment of illnesses.
Thalidomide was licensed in June 2008 for the treatment of multiple myeloma—or for those ineligible for high dose chemotherapy. Thalidomide UK and other stakeholders both here and in Europe were consulted throughout the licensing process and I understand that they have acknowledged the benefits of thalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma.