Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013
334. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the supports available for sufferers of myalgic encephalomyelitis; if he will outline treatment regimes available for these patients; if new drugs are coming to market and if they will be made available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7873/13]
View answerMyalgic Encephalomyelitis( ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is generally defined by persistent fatigue accompanied by other specific symptoms. It is a clinical diagnosis usually made after other possible diagnoses have been excluded and the symptoms have persisted. The treatment for ME usually focuses on the management of the symptoms – specific to the individuals.
In relation to supports available for sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and treatment regimes I have asked the Health Service Executive to provide the Deputy with information regarding current service provisions for this condition.
In relation to new drugs coming to market before a medicine can be placed on the Irish market the manufacturer has to seek an authorisation from the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) or in the case of certain medicinal products, the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The only new drug the IMB is aware of for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is Ampligen. However, because of the biotechnology nature of the active substance involved, any application for Ampligen to be made available to European patients has to be made to the EMA. I have no information on whether or not such an application has been received by the EMA.
