Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to remove the barriers to access to omaveloxolone for patients with Friedreich's ataxia; and what plans they have to establish an interim access pathway for eligible patients while reimbursement negotiations continue.

Unfortunately, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has so far been unable to evaluate omaveloxolone because the company responsible withdrew from the evaluation process last year. However, NICE stands ready to resume the process if the company decides to make a new submission.

In the interim, we are determined to ensure that all those suffering from this debilitating condition get the help and support that they need, and NHS England already provides a number of services to help individuals manage their symptoms, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.