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 December 18, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has issued renewed warnings about the EU’s Mercosur trade agreement, describing it as a potential serious threat to Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 18, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart continues to condemn the Labour Government, describing its controversial Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) reforms as immoral, unjust and fundamentally wrong.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has used her final speaking opportunity in Parliament in 2025 to challenge the Government over the continued damage being caused to Northern Ireland by the Windsor Framework.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 17, 2025
Carla Lockhart MP has spent a busy Saturday engaging with community groups, churches and residents across Upper Bann as local organisations step up to support families in the lead-up to Christmas.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the completion of a new footpath in Oak Grange, Waringstown, describing it as a positive and long awaited improvement for local residents.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has congratulated Harold Henning following his election as the new Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, describing the appointment as a significant moment for the Institution and a fitting recognition of long standing commitment and service.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns with Royal Mail following a growing number of reports of delayed and unreliable postal services across Upper Bann and wider Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 16, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has hit out at what she described as a wholly inadequate response from the Justice Secretary after she raised a deeply troubling case involving a migrant convicted of a serious sexual offence.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart hosted and sponsored an exhibition of SEFF’s Memorial Quilts at the Palace of Westminster, ensuring that the voices of innocent victims of terrorism from Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland were placed at the heart of Parliament.
By Carla Lockhart December 12, 2025
As we enter the festive season, DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, is urging DAERA to deliver much-needed ‘goodwill’ to the herd and flock owners who are marooned as a result of the two Bluetongue control zones in County Down.