Sir Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on the use of Fenfluramine to treat Lennox Gastaut Syndrome; and what representations his Department has had from hospitals in Southampton on this matter.  [33376]

[Due for Answer on 3 March]

ANSWER

The Minister of State for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth): The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) develops its guidance on new medicines independently and the Department has had no discussions with the NICE about its appraisal of fenfluramine for the treatment of Lennox Gastaut syndrome. Furthermore, I am not aware of any correspondence or representations from hospitals in Southampton on this matter.

The NICE recently published draft guidance that recommends fenfluramine for the treatment of patients meeting specific clinical criteria, and registered stakeholders now have an opportunity to appeal. The NICE currently expects to publish final guidance on 26 March 2025.