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The MS Society comments on new research

15th May 2019
Posted by Aston Avery

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) today published a positive final appraisal determination (FAD) recommending the use of Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) on the NHS in England for people with early, inflammatory primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) with imaging features characteristic of inflammatory activity in adults.

This enables people with early, inflammatory PPMS to have access to the first and only licensed treatment which has been proven to slow the progression of their disease. Ocrelizumab could delay the need for a wheelchair by seven years in people with early PPMS, compared to people taking placebo.

PPMS is a highly disabling form of multiple sclerosis (MS). Common symptoms include weakness in both legs and arms that can cause problems with mobility, loss of bladder function and physical and mental fatigue.4 It is called primary progressive because, unlike other forms of MS, symptoms gradually worsen from the outset and progress towards more disability.4 That is why it is important that people with early, inflammatory PPMS receive a treatment, to slow down the progression of their disease.

Aston spoke to Georgina Carr from MS society about MS and also about the new NICE report that came out today.

Georgina Carr interview with Aston Avery