Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government why they have not yet appointed a supplier of immunoglobulin products; and when they expect to have completed the tender process.

The Department, NHS Blood and Transplant and NHS England and NHS Improvement are working to create a long-term domestic supply of plasma in England which can be used to manufacture immunoglobulins. The tender notice is due to be issued early 2022, with the aim of appointing a fractionator during that year.

The production of medicines is complex and highly regulated and materials and processes must meet rigorous safety and quality standards. Subject to the necessary regulatory approvals, we expect United Kingdom plasma sourced immunoglobulins to be available to National Health Service patients in 2024.