Shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
Tabled 3 March 2025 by Jess Brown-Fuller
That this House expresses deep concern over the ongoing shortage of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), a vital medication relied upon by 61,000 people across the UK, including those with pancreatic cancer and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency; notes with alarm that PERT shortages are predicted to continue until 2026, with no signs of resolution, leaving 82% of patients struggling to access their usual prescriptions, 80% forced to alter their diet or dosage, and many skipping meals altogether; recognises that without PERT, patients suffer from severe malabsorption, leading to malnutrition, muscle wasting, debilitating diarrhoea, and, in extreme cases, death by starvation; further notes the significant mental health impact of this crisis, with 51% of affected individuals experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and worry; and calls on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to urgently outline the steps being taken to address the root causes of the shortage, ensure a stable and adequate supply of PERT, and provide clear clinical guidance to support patients and healthcare professionals in managing this critical situation.
Signatories (47)
- Jess Brown-Fuller Sponsor
- Helen Morgan
- Alison Bennett
- Dr Danny Chambers
- Wera Hobhouse
- Mr Angus MacDonald
- Steff Aquarone
- Clive Jones
- Dr Al Pinkerton
- Helen Maguire
- Steve Darling
- Wendy Chamberlain
- Tom Morrison
- Olly Glover
- Jim Shannon
- Adam Dance
- John Milne
- Ian Roome
- Edward Morello
- Mike Martin
- Sarah Dyke
- Christine Jardine
- Claire Young
- Jamie Stone
- Martin Wrigley
- Mr Joshua Reynolds
- Andrew George
- Sarah Olney
- Victoria Collins
- Sarah Gibson
- David Chadwick
- Ellie Chowns
- Calum Miller
- Siân Berry
- Dr Roz Savage
- Mr Lee Dillon
- Claire Hanna
- Zöe Franklin
- Mr Paul Kohler
- Lisa Smart
- Rachael Maskell
- John McDonnell
- Brian Mathew
- Ian Sollom
- Chris Coghlan
- Alex Brewer
- Charlotte Cane