A breakthrough pill is now available through the NHS to aid individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) in enhancing their walking ability.
The drug, fampridine, which acts as a “signal booster” for nerves damaged by MS, has been approved for approximately 5,000 patients in England. This pill facilitates the more efficient transmission of electrical messages to muscles.
Ceri Smith, the head of policy and evidence at the MS Society, expressed delight over the approval of fampridine for NHS use. With over 120,000 MS patients in England, fampridine stands as the solitary licensed treatment that can enhance walking ability and speed for a segment of these individuals, significantly impacting their independence and employability.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, tingling sensations, muscle cramps, vision impairments, and memory issues.
Despite fampridine’s yearly cost of around £4,700 per patient, the NHS’s collective bargaining power has secured a discounted rate for the drug.
Professor Frankie Swords, NHS national medical director, noted that the pill could be transformative for numerous MS patients by addressing their walking difficulties and enhancing their mobility for daily activities.
Patients with MS will be assessed based on their disability level, and those scoring between four to seven on the disability scale will be eligible for fampridine. Trials have shown that the drug improved walking speed in 43% of patients and extended their walking capabilities.
Aysen Slack, a 65-year-old from Eastbourne, previously self-funded fampridine but had to discontinue due to the high costs. She expressed a desire to have access to fampridine through the NHS, highlighting the significant impact it could have on her mobility and quality of life.
Ceri Smith emphasized the importance of ensuring that MS services receive the necessary support to offer fampridine to all potential beneficiaries across England.