NHS patients to get new MS drug: Treatment not only stops the disease from advancing but may help patients recover …

Scientists have spent 25 years developing treatment at Cambridge Alemtuzumab infusion is given in two short courses over two years Despite costing 56,000, NICE has ruled treatment is cost-effective

By Jenny Hope

Published: 19:16 EST, 27 May 2014 | Updated: 02:24 EST, 28 May 2014

Landmark discovery: The brain of someone with MS, which can leave sufferers unable to walk - but new treatment could reverse the effects of the disease

A new treatment for Multiple Sclerosis not only stops the disease from advancing but may help patients recover from disability.

Remarkable results for the drug alemtuzumab mean it has been approved for use on the NHS and is now available in England.

Originally a pioneering cancer therapy, Cambridge University scientists have spent almost 25 years developing it as a treatment for MS sufferers.

Trials involving more than 1,500 patients show treatment led to fewer relapses compared with multiple jabs of the treatment beta interferon each week, cutting further disability and even allowing some existing damage to recover.

Alemtuzumab is given in two short courses with one infusion a day for five days during the first year and three days during the second year followed by regular monitoring.

Despite the 56,000 price tag, the drug has got the go-ahead as cost-effective from the rationing watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).

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NHS patients to get new MS drug: Treatment not only stops the disease from advancing but may help patients recover ...