Overview
- NHS England announced on Wednesday that fampridine will be routinely available on the NHS for adults with MS who have walking difficulties.
- Fampridine is taken twice daily and works as a ‘signal booster’ to help damaged nerves transmit electrical messages so muscles can move more effectively.
- Adults with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 4 to 7 will be offered a 2–4 week trial and only those who show a clear improvement in walking will continue treatment.
- NHS England estimates about 5,000 people will be eligible in the first year and says it has negotiated a confidential discount against a reported list price of about £4,700 per patient per year.
- Patient groups called the decision ‘life-changing’ for mobility and independence but urged that local MS services get extra support so everyone who could benefit can access assessments and follow-up care.