TREATMENTS
Scientific advances have meant that treatment is emerging that can change the course of the disease.
In the last 20 years the first phase of disease modifying treatments have been developed: these included interferons and copaxone
but...
o They are given by injection
o They are only partially [30%] effective against relapses.
o There is limited knowledge on their affect on progression, the main reason for disability
– there is much to do.
In the last 6 years a second phase of new treatments have emerged, Natalizumab (Tysabri), but access has been limited due to concerns about safety (eg. a rare viral infection) and cost.
o research into these treatments is ongoing
o much work is required to widen their use in the UK.
New treatments are emerging and the circumstances in the UK means that much work is required to gain access for people with MS.
o The first tablet treatment was passed by NICE in March 2012 (Fingolimod) but as of
May 2012 only 18 people in the UK were on these treatments on the NHS
o Two new tablets are being licensed in 2013
The new treatments need to be studied in trials there is a drive by the government to support this. Thus there is an opportunity to
advance treatment for people with MS
Basic research needs to be supported to understand the cause and develop more effective treatments
In the last 20 years the first phase of disease modifying treatments have been developed: these included interferons and copaxone
but...
o They are given by injection
o They are only partially [30%] effective against relapses.
o There is limited knowledge on their affect on progression, the main reason for disability
– there is much to do.
In the last 6 years a second phase of new treatments have emerged, Natalizumab (Tysabri), but access has been limited due to concerns about safety (eg. a rare viral infection) and cost.
o research into these treatments is ongoing
o much work is required to widen their use in the UK.
New treatments are emerging and the circumstances in the UK means that much work is required to gain access for people with MS.
o The first tablet treatment was passed by NICE in March 2012 (Fingolimod) but as of
May 2012 only 18 people in the UK were on these treatments on the NHS
o Two new tablets are being licensed in 2013
The new treatments need to be studied in trials there is a drive by the government to support this. Thus there is an opportunity to
advance treatment for people with MS
Basic research needs to be supported to understand the cause and develop more effective treatments