Creon

Lord Scriven Excerpts

Thursday 5th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

The supply situation has improved since last year and there is now sufficient stock of lower-strength Creon to meet normal demand. There are still some supply constraints, as I have said, with the higher-strength product stock, but stock is regularly being delivered to pharmacies. As we have discussed, alternative products and unlicensed imports are also available. I totally accept that patients may have concerns, and that is why we have worked closely to keep in communication with patients to assure them that they will not be going without the medication they need. For example, it may be that lower strength in multiple provision can be made, or there are the alternatives that I have described. If any noble Lords are aware of real-life examples of shortages, I would be grateful to hear about them, because we believe that we have made the arrangements, and I can reassure noble Lords that these very important medicines are being provided to those who need them.

[Lord Scriven (LD)]

My Lords, I suggest that the Minister ask her officials immediately to speak to the National Pharmacy Association, which published a survey at the end of last month that said that 96% of community pharmacies were finding problems with getting stocks of Creon and 89% of community pharmacies were having problems with alternatives. In light of that and the bigger picture, what actions are the Government taking to establish new suppliers and manufacturers of enzyme replacement therapy to reduce reliance on a limited number of manufacturers?