‘It’s frustrating’ – Dad with MS reacts after new treatment is turned down by regulator – NW Evening Mail

A MANwho lives with multiple sclerosis has reacted after a new medicine that could help people with the condition 'benefit enormously' was not recommended for use.

The regulator, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, has opted not to initially recommend a tablet to help treat the degenerative brain disease in what would have been one of few oral treatments available.

The MS Society has criticised the decision and Dalton dad Adam Hudson said it would be a benefit to be able to take a tablet rather than receive treatment through injection.

He said: "If it's proven effective, any oral medication is much more kind to the user rather than an infusion or injection.

"It's always nicer to take something rather than have an injection.

"If it's just as effective, it's going to be beneficial for people with MS."

Ozanimod is a tablet taken daily and is similar to an existing treatment called fingolimod in that it is thought to act by trapping certain immune cells in the bodys lymph nodes.

In Phase 3 clinical trials, ozanimod was compared to an older disease modifying treatment, interferon beta-1a, already used on patients.

The trial showed that people given the new drug had fewer relapses than patients given the older drug.

Disability scores were similar, the MS Society said.

Dr Sarah Rawlings, director of research and external affairs at the MS Society, said: Its frustrating NICE has made a decision not to recommend ozanimod as a treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis.

"While there are a range of treatments for this form of the condition, oral options are limited, and people could benefit enormously from a new, more convenient alternative.

NICEs decision isnt final, and we are urging them and the manufacturer to review the evidence and consider whats best for those living with MS.

"Ozanimod would be the only oral first-line treatment for some people with relapsing MS, and we are hopeful both sides will act on the significance of this.

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'It's frustrating' - Dad with MS reacts after new treatment is turned down by regulator - NW Evening Mail