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Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Asked by Nadia WhittomeLabourDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 24 March 2025UIN 31096

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the availability of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy to all patients who need it.

Answered by Karin Smyth

The Department continues to engage with all suppliers of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to boost production to mitigate the supply issue. Increased volumes of PERT are expected for 2025, and specialist importers have sourced unlicensed stock to assist in covering the gap in the market. In December 2024, the Department issued further management advice to healthcare professionals. This directs clinicians to prescribe unlicensed imports when licensed stock is unavailable and includes actions for integrated care boards to ensure local mitigation plans are put in place and implemented. The Department, in collaboration with NHS England, has created a webpage to include the latest update on PERT availability and easily accessible prescribing advice.

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