The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted fampridine (Fampyra) for MS patients.
The medicine, produced by Biogen Inc, is available to people scoring 4-7 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Scotland is the second UK nation to offer this treatment on the NHS following a decision in Wales to make fampridine available on the NHS for adults with MS.
Fampridine is recommended for use in all subtypes of MS, including relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and progressive relapsing MS (PRMS) that have either very limited or no treatment options, depending on disease severity.
Statistically, two out of every three patients with MS will develop a degree of disability and walking impairment.
Dr Simon Beck, medical director at Biogen UK & Ireland, said: “Walking problems affect most people with MS and losing independence as a result of reduced mobility is one of their greatest fears.
“Fampridine is the only treatment shown to improve walking ability in people living with MS-related walking disability, so today’s SMC decision could make a real difference to those with mobility challenges in Scotland and their carers, many of whom have been funding their own treatment until now.”
Fampridine’s approval came as a result of clinical trials. Patients responding to fampridine noted substantial improvements in routine day-to-day functional activities including, for example, the ability to walk independently without the use of sticks or any other aid for a sufficiently long enough time to manage daily tasks.
The MS Society Scotland said fampridine helps about one in three people who take it and can speed up walking by about 25 per cent.
Charity director Morna Simpkins said: “It’s fantastic that fampridine (Fampyra) has been approved for use on the NHS in Scotland.
“MS is relentless, painful and disabling but this treatment could be life-changing for many people living with the symptoms of MS – making an important difference to walking, energy levels and a person’s ability to manage MS.”
Highlighting the impact of the move, the charity shared the story of Nina from Invernessshire. She used to be an occupational therapist and has been living with MS for over 25 years. She began taking fampridine when she moved to the Highlands and has seen a huge positive impact.
Nina told the charity: “It’s fantastic news that Fampyra will now be available for people with MS on NHS Scotland. I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact it can have so to know that it should now be an option for more people across the country is really welcome.
“When I was first told I’d progressed from relapsing remitting to secondary progressive MS my consultant at the time simply said, ‘there’s nothing to do, just look after yourself’. But when I moved further north I had a new consultant who suggested I try Fampyra and it’s been brilliant.
“I am quite sensitive to drugs so I’ve had to gradually work my way to taking the full therapeutic dose, but it’s had such a huge impact it was worth the effort.”
