Thousands of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in England may soon benefit from improved mobility as the drug fampridine has been approved for use on the National Health Service (NHS). The medication, which helps to boost nerve signals and make walking easier, is being made available to patients experiencing significant walking difficulties.
Aysen Slack, a 65-year-old from Eastbourne who has been living with MS, previously paid privately for fampridine. She described the drug as "working well for me" but noted its "significant expense," which made it unsustainable long-term. Slack expressed her enthusiasm for the drug becoming available on the NHS, stating it would "make a huge difference to my life if I were able to improve my walking" and that she "would definitely like to try" it again.
While over 120,000 people in England have MS, only an estimated 5,000 individuals per year will be eligible for the treatment based on the severity of their walking impairments. Patients will undergo a trial period of up to one month, with continued access granted only to those demonstrating a "clear benefit."
Professor Frankie Swords, the NHS national medical director, highlighted the potential impact of fampridine, calling it a "signal-boosting pill" that could be "life-changing for thousands of patients." He explained that even modest improvements in walking could significantly enhance individuals' ability to navigate their homes, engage in social activities with greater confidence, and maintain a more independent lifestyle.
Ceri Smith, representing the MS Society, shared the organization's delight with the announcement. Smith echoed that the drug could be "life-changing" for many, potentially enabling individuals to "live more independently or stay in employment."