Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 May 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 May 2005. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Monday, 6 June 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment her Department has made of the clinical trials being carried out in the development of a treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: In 2004, the Department announced £1.6 million funding, from the Genetics White Paper, for a four year project which aims to address the cause of muscular dystrophy. The main part of the Department's expenditure on health research is allocated to and managed by national health service organisations. Details of individual projects supported in the NHS, including a number concerned with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, can be found on the national research register at www.dh. gov.uk/research. It would not be appropriate for the Government to make assessments of ongoing clinical trials.

Secondary information