2019 has brought huge developments in the MS treatment landscape. From a new treatment for secondary progressive MS (SPMS), to a drug that improves walking and mobility, we have been led by our community every step of the way in advocating for action on MS treatment.
June
June saw the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approve ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for use on the NHS in England by people with early primary progressive MS (PPMS). This means people who have been diagnosed with PPMS in the last 15 years and have evidence of ‘active’ disease will for the first time have a treatment option.
August
NICE published its draft recommendations on cannabis-based medical products. It recommended against the routine use of Sativex for treating spasticity (muscle spasms), citing cost reasons. We spoke to over 300 people with MS about their experiences and called for the manufacturer and the government to come up with a solution.
September
We had confirmation that fampridine (a treatment to improve mobility for MS patients), will be appraised by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group and hopefully made available to people in Wales by the end of the year. We will be calling for fampridine to be made available across the UK.
NICE opened a consultation on the drug siponimod, a potential treatment for SPMS. We have spoken to many people about their experience of living with SPMS and what a treatment option would mean to them. We will be responding to the consultation and making sure our MS community’s voice is heard. We expect NICE to make a decision in spring 2020.
We continue to be led by our MS community to ensure the most effective treatments are available to all on the NHS across the UK.
How can I find out more?
If you are interested in finding out about new treatments and supporting our evidence gathering, sign up to our Research Network:
Email Tom Harrison
Senior Policy Officer
