Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan has given his backing to a campaign to access new treatments for those suffering from Phenylketonuria (PKU).
PKU is a rare, incurable and metabolic disease that affects around 1 in 10,000 people across the UK. It is usually diagnosed shortly after birth by the blood spot (heel prick) test as part of the new born screening programme.
People with PKU have a faulty version of an enzyme which breaks down the amino acid Phenylalanine, a component of protein, which builds up in the blood and brain, causing brain damage.
Mr Morgan is supporting those in Portsmouth who suffer from PKU by campaigning for access to a new drug that keeps blood levels of Phenylalanine safe.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“I’m supporting families in Portsmouth living with this disease by backing their campaign for access to new life changing drug Kuvan.
I followed the restrictive diet that PKU sufferers have to follow every day for just one day and it was incredibly difficult.
There is a desperate need for modern treatments and better care for this difficult condition and that is why I am doing everything I can to help.”
The NSPKU, the national charity for PKU, is also seeking to improve general care for people with PKU.
