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'Life-changing' drug that helps MS patients walk available on NHS
The first drug shown to help some people with multiple sclerosis walk better will be offered to eligible adults, with up to 5,000 expected to benefit each year.
- On Thursday, NHS England announced that Fampridine is now routinely available on the NHS in England, marking the first medicine specifically designed to improve walking ability for adults with multiple sclerosis.
- Previously rejected by the NHS in England as not value for money, the drug is already available in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Fampridine functions as a "signal booster" for nerves damaged by multiple sclerosis.
- Adults with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between four and seven are eligible for treatment, with patients initially trying the medication for two to four weeks to assess clear benefit.
- Aysen Slack, 65, from Eastbourne, previously paid privately for Fampridine before costs became unfeasible, saying improved mobility would make a "huge difference" to her life.
- Regular reviews will monitor long-term effectiveness for patients showing clear benefit, while officials estimate up to 5,000 people will be eligible for the drug each year.
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Health Care, NHS England » Thousands with MS to get “life-changing” drug on NHS to help them walk more freely
Thousands of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in England are to be offered a new ‘signal booster’ therapy on the NHS to help them walk more easily and live more independently. Fampridine is the first medicine designed to improve walking in adults with MS and will now be routinely available on the NHS from today, NHS England has announced. Taken as a pill twice a day, fampridine acts like a ‘signal booster’ for nerves damaged by MS, helping el…
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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