Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with NICE on the removal of Priadel.

Essential Pharma informed the Department in April 2020 of their intention to discontinue Priadel (lithium carbonate) 200mg and 400mg tablets from the United Kingdom.

The Department engaged with Essential Pharma to reconsider its decision and encourage them to continue supply within the UK. While they did extend the discontinuation date, they were unwilling to continue to supply the UK beyond April 2021.

Following the opening of the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation, Essential Pharma have taken the decision to reverse their discontinuation of Priadel tablets and continue to supply Priadel to patients across the UK, whilst we work to agree a fair and appropriate price for this medicine.

Officials continue to work closely with the supplier and wholesalers to maintain the availability of Priadel and alternative lithium carbonate brands to ensure supplies remain available for patients.

No discussions have taken place with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.