Health written question – answered at on 29 June 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health
(1) if she will make a statement on the supply of actrapid (basal) insulin;
(2) if she will discuss with her EU counterparts Novo Novalisk's intention to discontinue the supply of actrapid insulin in the United Kingdom;
(3) what her most recent estimate is of the prescribing costs of (a) animal based insulins, (b) actrapid (basal) insulins, (c) humalog (analogue) insulins and (d) other insulins;
(4) what her estimate is of the number of diabetics prescribed (a) animal based insulins, (b) actrapid based insulins, (c) analogue insulins and (d) other insulins in the last period for which figures are available;
(5) what steps she has taken to identify alternative (a) manufacturers and (b) suppliers of the insulin products that Novo Nordisk are proposing to withdraw from the United Kingdom.
Novo Nordisk has informed the Department that it is planning to discontinue Actrapid Penfill insulin in December 2005. The vial presentation of Actrapid insulin will remain available. We have not sought an alternative supplier for the items being discontinued as there remains a number of different insulins and delivery devices available from various manufacturers. It is up to the clinician, in consultation with the patient, to decide which is most suitable. We are in discussion with Novo Nordisk to ensure a smooth transfer for patients to alternative products. We have no plans to consult with other European governments on Novo Novalisk's intention to discontinue the supply of Actrapid insulin.
We do not know the number of people prescribed either animal or human insulin, however, available information covers the number of prescription items and net ingredient cost of insulin dispensed in the community in England. The figures shown in the table were extracted from the prescription cost analysis system for 2004, supplied by the Prescription Pricing Authority.
Insulin | Items (million) | Net ingredient cost (£ million) |
---|---|---|
Animal derived | 0.1 | 3.4 |
Human analogue | 4.1 | 193.4 |
Total | 4.2 | 196.8 |
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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