'Shameful' failings mean half of MS sufferers denied drugs

Michelle Mitchell, the charitys chief executive said: We understand the pressures the NHS is facing, but there are licensed medicines that can transform the lives of people with MS, and its frankly shameful that they are out of reach for so many.

The charity said many patients were left for years without any treatment at all, as their disease worsens, unaware of new medicines which could reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and in some cases slow the progression of disability.

The letter warns that despite a number of recent advances in medicines for the condition, which affects around 85,000 people in Britain, the UK is among the worst in Europe at providing them.

It is signed by 26 celebrity supporters of the MS Society, including the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the actor David Tennant and the television presenter Lorraine Kelly.

Two new medicines - Aubagio and Lemtrada - have recently been recommended by NHS rationing bodies as the first line treatment for those with the condition, and decisions on two more treatments are due within a year.

Mrs Mitchell said that despite advances in medicines, many sufferers faced barriers accessing treatment which could improve the quality of their lives.

New, effective medicines are emerging that could dramatically change the landscape of treatment for people with relapsing MS, but the years of research that led to their development will count for nothing if people cant get hold of them, she said.

The charitys research involving 1150 people with relapsing MS found that 60 per cent were not taking a disease modifying drug even though they were eligible.

Further surveys found that one in four of those who had never taken such medications were unaware they existed.

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'Shameful' failings mean half of MS sufferers denied drugs