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Insulin

Asked by Pippa HeylingsLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 19 January 2026UIN 104994

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure porcine insulin is available to users who are dependent on it.

Answered by Dr Zubir Ahmed

The Department is aware of the global discontinuation of insulin porcine vials, including Hypurin Porcine Isophane, Hypurin Porcine Neutral, and Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix vials, by Wockhardt. We have issued comprehensive management guidance to the National Health Service, including all general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists, on 23 July 2025. This management guidance contains information on alternative licensed medicines including Hypurin Porcine cartridges.

Hypurin Porcine Isophane and Hypurin Porcine Neutral cartridges remain available. Following a short-term supply issue from 1 January 2026, Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix cartridges will be available from the week closing on 19 January 2026.

Patients and/or patient representatives should speak to their GP on the most appropriate treatment option.

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