ORPHAN DRUGS

Early day motion 1591, tabled 9 July 2002 by Michael Connarty (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House notes the exploitation by drug manufacturers of EU regulations concerning orphan drugs, drugs which are of benefit to fewer than five per 10,000 people; expresses concern at the enormous price increase of many cheap, commonly used life-saving chemicals as a result of drug manufacturers securing a licence and sole marketing rights to the compounds; further notes the supply monopoly many drug manufacturers now have on previously cheap raw chemicals required to treat people with rare biochemical disorders, and the major financial consequences this has on the NHS; and calls on the Government to amend the Licensing Act to prevent such exploitation.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Liberal Democrat 8, Labour/Co-operative 4, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.