New multiple sclerosis drug approved after deal agreed between NHS and Roche
A new drug has been approved for patients with a rare form of multiple sclerosis (MS) after an agreement was made to lower its price.
In final draft guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) reversed an earlier decision not to recommend ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).
An agreement between Roche and NHS England means the drug will now be made available to the NHS at a lower price and could benefit about 2,700 people.
About 200 new cases are diagnosed each year.
The drug has been shown to slow the advance of PPMS and keep people active for longer.
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said: “Today the NHS is making a significant advance in the care of people living with multiple sclerosis.
“This latest innovative deal is further proof that companies willing to work flexibly with the NHS can secure a constructive partnership that benefits both patients and taxpayers.”
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2019, All Rights Reserved.
