Jardine to push for government action in diabetes drugs debate

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine will today lead a debate on the lack of available drugs for type 2 diabetes patients.

The Liberal Democrat previously wrote to NHS Lothian and the Scottish Government, after a constituent was concerned her treatment would be impacted by a shortage of diabetes drugs known as GLP-1 RAs, including one of the most common drugs, semaglutide.

The supply problem has been made worse following the increase in use of semaglutide as a weight-loss drug, under the brand name Ozempic.

In her response, Scottish Minister Jenni Minto said supply and licensing was a reserved matter.

Last week, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) licensed a multi-dose treatment of the drug Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes patients.

But according to Diabetes UK, supply issues will continue until mid-2024, with Ozempic shortages predicted to last into next year.

In her debate in Parliament later today, Ms Jardine will urge UK Government Ministers to ensure clinical guidance puts diabetes patients first.

Christine Jardine said:

“Diabetes patients in my constituency are stuck between a rock and a hard place, with the NHS and devolved Government unable to act and a UK Government too slow to react.  

“It seems that neither Government has realised how serious this may be for some patients who rely on these drugs daily.

“Current patients may now see even longer disruption to care plans, and new diabetes patients may be unable to get the treatment that is right for them, or limit the number of options available for their treatment.

“I will be using this debate to urge the UK Government to work with the NHS across the country to speed up the resupply of this vital medication, put diabetes patients first, and end the unacceptable delays leaving thousands of patients in limbo.”