MS treatment on NHS gives patients hope

THOUSANDS of people in England with a type of multiple sclerosis are to benefit from a new treatment on the NHS.

- BY HANNA GEISSLER Health Editor

A natalizumab infusion helps those with the most common form of multiple sclerosis

Natalizumab, which is given every four weeks as an infusion or injection, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

It will be available as an option for people with relapsing-remitting MS — the most common form of the condition which causes symptoms to flare up.

Patients may have the treatment in cases where the autoimmune disease remains highly active after other therapies or when alternative treatments are not suitable.

MS causes immune cells to attack myelin, the insulating layer that protects nerves in the brain and spinal cord.