Hope for thousands of MS patients as 'life-changing' drug now on NHS in England
The NHS in England has officially approved the drug fampridine for patients with multiple sclerosis. The medication acts as a signal booster to help improve walking ability and mobility for thousands of patients.
Why it matters
This provides a significant quality-of-life improvement for MS patients who previously had to pay for the expensive treatment privately.
Image source, Aysen Slack Image caption, Aysen Slack says she used to pay for the drug privately until it became too costly
Health and science correspondent Published 6 minutes ago The first drug to help people with multiple sclerosis walk is being made available on the NHS in England.
Fampridine boosts nerve signals to make it easier for some people to move and live independently.
Aysen Slack, who used to pay for fampridine privately until it became too costly, said the decision would make a "huge difference".
Up to 5,000 people in England could benefit each year. The drug is already available elsewhere in the UK.
Multiple sclerosis is caused by the immune system attacking the protective covering around nerve cells - known as myelin.
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