MS sufferers in England to get new pill

MULTIPLE sclerosis (MS) sufferers in England and Wales will have access to the world’s first oral pill for the condition denied to those in Scotland earlier this week.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence today announced draft guidance recommending Fingolimod for those with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease.

On Monday the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) rejected the drug for those north of the Border.

Scotland has one of the highest rates of MS in the world with approximately 10,500 diagnosed cases.

Nick Rijke, director of policy and research at the MS Society, said: “Making this new treatment available will increase patient choice for thousands with MS across England and Wales, but we’re deeply disappointed by the SMC’s decision in Scotland – and urge them to reconsider.”