Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the meeting between PANS PANDAS and his Department on 19 November 2024, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding for research into that condition.

We are supportive of the progress made by PANS PANDAS UK and the PANS PANDAS Steering Group to undertake a national surveillance study, develop a clinical guideline, and produce guidance for professionals, children, young people, and families.

Funding for research into rare diseases such as pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections is available through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and researchers in this area are encouraged to come forward with proposals that can further our understanding.