Lockhart Hails Introduction of Groundbreaking Alopecia Drug in Northern Ireland

Carla Lockhart MP • April 23, 2024

DUP MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed the approval of the innovative new drug ritlecitinib (Litfulo) for use in Northern Ireland. The approval by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) marks a significant advancement in the treatment options available for patients with severe alopecia areata. She received the news after lobbying the Department for Health to approve the drug here, as it had been in England earlier in the year.

Ritlecitinib (Litfulo) is a cutting-edge treatment designed to treat severe alopecia areata, a condition that results in significant hair loss and can have profound effects on mental and emotional well-being. The decision to introduce ritlecitinib (Litfulo) is expected to bring new hope to many who suffer from this challenging condition.


Carla, who has personally experienced the effects of alopecia, expressed her delight with the decision, stating, " The introduction of ritlecitinib (Litfulo) is a beacon of hope for many of my Upper Bann constituents and others across Northern Ireland living with severe alopecia areata. When I experienced alopecia it not only took a physical toll but impacted me emotionally and socially. As someone who has suffered from this condition in the past I want to share genuine joy to each and every person in Northern Ireland who will be able to avail of this new treatment. "


The approval of ritlecitinib (Litfulo) follows extensive trials and research, which have demonstrated its efficacy in promoting hair regrowth in individuals with severe alopecia areata. Its availability in Northern Ireland is anticipated to make a considerable positive impact on patient care and outcomes.



Carla Lockhart's advocacy for enhanced healthcare services and her support for innovative treatments like ritlecitinib (Litfulo) underscore her commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of the people of Upper Bann. The DUP MP added "This is a welcome step forward in our healthcare system, one that supports innovative treatment and will deliver real benefits to those living with all forms of alopecia across Northern Ireland,".

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP March 13, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the DAERA Minister’s plans to introduce an Independent Environmental Protection Agency in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 13, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has urged the Labour Government to support agriculture rather than powering ahead with inheritance tax reforms and other bureaucratic burdens that could threaten the future of family farms.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart and her colleagues in the Democratic Unionist Party have voted against legislation which they say risks undermining the long-standing right to trial by jury.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Churches and faith-based organisations across Northern Ireland are invited to attend the relaunch of an updated Church Funding Directory, hosted by Carla Lockhart MP, at the Oxford Island Discovery Centre on Thursday 19 March at 11:00am.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 11, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that Government plans to reopen proposals for Digital ID cards risk opening the door to increased state surveillance and represent a policy that the public clearly does not support.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 10, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has pressed the Chancellor to take urgent action to ease the pressure on households facing rising energy costs, particularly in Northern Ireland where a large proportion of homes rely on heating oil.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 9, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has warned that farmers across Northern Ireland are facing intense financial pressure as the cost of fuel and artificial fertiliser continues to soar as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said that escalating global instability highlights the urgent need for the United Kingdom to prioritise national food security and protect domestic agriculture.
By Carla Lockhart MP March 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Government to take urgent action to protect motorists and households from rising oil prices by cutting fuel duty and removing VAT from domestic heating oil. 
By Carla Lockhart MP March 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has said serious allegations surrounding the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute at Hillsborough must be addressed openly and transparently in order to restore confidence within the farming community.