A convenient new treatment option is set to become available for thousands of NHS patients in England with multiple sclerosis (MS). These patients will soon have the opportunity to take a tablet at home to manage their condition, eliminating the need for hospital visits for injections or infusions. This tablet, called cladribine, is beneficial for those with the active relapsing-remitting version of the disease, as well as more severe cases of highly active MS. The drug advisory body NICE has recommended its use, stating that it can provide patients with more freedom from hospital visits and help free up clinic time.
With the NHS being the first healthcare system in Europe to introduce this treatment, final guidance is expected to be issued for England in April, with potential access in Wales and Northern Ireland in the future. While Scotland is also considering the use of cladribine, it is worth noting that there are over 150,000 individuals living with MS in the UK. Despite the fact that the condition cannot be cured, treatments can slow the disease progression and alleviate symptoms. Cladribine has shown promising results in reducing the number and severity of relapses by targeting specific immune cells involved in inflammation and myelin damage in MS.
For individuals like Clare Elgar, 37, from Southampton, who was diagnosed with relapsing MS in January 2021, the option to take cladribine at home has been life-changing. Clare, who experienced loss of function in her right arm and numbness across her face, highlights the convenience of being able to maintain her daily routine without the need to travel to a hospital for treatment. The decision to make this treatment more widely available has been welcomed by Laura Thomas, head of policy at the MS Society, who believes it can particularly benefit individuals who may struggle to visit hospitals regularly, such as younger working-age adults. Additionally, the treatment’s safety profile allows for pregnancy six months after the final course, providing a less restrictive option for patients planning to start a family
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
