Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Multiple Sclerosis Drug.

Richard Bruton

Question:

184 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the beneficial effects of the drug Beta Interferon for the treatment of multiple sclerosis; if this drug has been approved for use in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

I am aware of recent reports of the development of the drug Interferon Beta-1b and its likely beneficial effects in the treatment of certain cases of multiple sclerosis.

The drug was approved by the United States Food and Drugs Administration in July 1993. The company developing the drug does not expect to receive approval for marketing it in Europe before mid-1995.

The drug in question is a newly developed biotechnological product and supplies are extremely limited pending the development of manufacturing facilities in both the United States and Europe. The manufacturers are unable to supply the drug outside of the United States at this time and have indicated that supplies in Europe are unlikely to be available before 1995 at the earliest.