To ask the Secretary of State forHealth what representations she has received from (a) patients and (b) other interested parties on the availability of intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradioculoneuropathy (CIDP); whether she intends to ask the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to undertake a technology appraisal of intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of CIDP; what steps she is taking to ensure patientshave access to intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of CIDP; and if she will make a statement. (98640)

We have received one recent email from a Guillain-Barre syndrome support group regarding access to intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for those living with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP).

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence can undertake technology appraisals only for treatments licensed in the United Kingdom. Currently there are no intravenous immunoglobulin drugs licensed for the treatment of CIDP.

It is the responsibility of primary care trusts, working with local health professionals, to ensure all patients have access to the most suitable drugs and treatments for their disease. This may include the use of medications ‘off-licence’ if considered appropriate.