Written question asked by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by James Frith (Labour) on Monday, 21 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Cancer: Medical Treatments

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the risks to patients arising from the promotion and sale online of ivermectin and other unlicensed or unproven products as treatments for cancer; and what steps the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is taking to prevent the promotion and sale of such products.

Answer

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recognises the risks associated with the promotion and sale of ivermectin and other unauthorised or unproven products as treatments for cancer. Ivermectin is not authorised in the United Kingdom for the treatment or prevention of cancer, and claims that it can treat, prevent or cure cancer may mislead patients and risk them delaying or foregoing proven medical treatment.

The MHRA takes robust enforcement action against the illegal promotion, advertising and supply of unauthorised medicines, including online. Through its Criminal Enforcement Unit, the MHRA investigates suspected breaches of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, and has the power to seize illicit medicines and, where appropriate, pursue prosecution.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 24545
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Cancer Internet Medical treatments Sales Ivermectin
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Cancer: Medical Treatments

Secondary information

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