Thousands of NHS patients in England with multiple sclerosis (MS) will soon be offered a “take at home” tablet to manage their condition, sparing them hospital visits for injections or infusions. Cladribine can help people with the active relapsing-remitting version of the disease, as well as more severe, highly active MS, for which it is already used, says drug advisory body NICE. Broadening access to the drug should give more patients freedom from hospital and free up clinic time, say experts. The NHS is the first healthcare system in Europe to roll out the treatment. NICE is expected to issue final guidance for England in April, with access in Wales and Northern Ireland likely to follow. Scotland is also considering it. There are more than 150,000 people living with MS – a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord – in the UK. Although it cannot currently be cured, treatment can slow the disease and ease symptoms. Trials show cladribine can reduce the number and severity of relapses. The drug targets certain immune cells involved in inflammation and myelin damage in MS. It is given in two treatment courses, 12 months apart, which would mean patients would take about 20 tablets at home.
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