Multiple Sclerosis :: NICE appraises multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri

The NICE appraisal committee meets to assess Tysabri today (6 March). Amongst the people making representations are two people personally affected by MS nominated by the MS Trust.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issues guidance on the use of new and existing medicines, treatments and procedures within the NHS.

Tysabri is a new disease modifying drug for MS. Published trials show that in people with relapsing/remitting MS who are experiencing one or two relapses a year, Tysabri can reduce the relapse rate by 67%. Safety concerns that came to light during clinical trials mean that, if recommended by NICE, Tysabri will only be available to people who have failed to respond to treatment with beta interferon or who have rapidly evolving severe relapsing/remitting MS.

The appraisal report is due to be published for public comment in the week commencing 2 April, although the final decision is not expected before July.

Chris Jones, Chief Executive of the MS Trust, comments ?There is a well defined group of people with MS, where the disease is running out of control, for whom the risks of not treating far outweigh the potential risks represented by Tysabri. We sometimes forget that having MS is itself a huge risk and trust that NICE will recognise this when it makes its final decision.”


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