Take-home multiple sclerosis tablet now available on NHS

Patients in the UK will now have access to a take-home Multiple Sclerosis (MS) tablet – Cladribine – which was previously only prescribed for people with relapsing remitting MS.

The disease modifying therapy (DMT) tablet has now been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The new recommendation suggests that now, patients with relapsing remitting MS as well as patients with new disease, or active MS, meaning the condition is actively showing on MRI scans, may now be eligible for treatment with the therapy.

The take-home tablet will enable more patients to access treatment, reducing the need for difficult hospital visits or invasive treatments such as injections.

The decision makes the UK the first country in Europe to recommend the treatment for people with active MS.

NICE initially recommended against the use of the therapy for patients with active MS, however, the MS Society suggested that expanding eligibility will make a difference to patient lives.

Head of policy at the MS Society, Laura Thomas, said: “Cladribine is self-administered. So this decision could particularly benefit people who’d struggle to go into hospital regularly, like younger working-age adults.

“It will also benefit patients considering starting a family, as it’s safe to get pregnant six months after the final course of treatment.

“This is less restrictive than many other DMT options. We’re so glad more people with MS will now be able to choose an effective treatment which suits their lifestyle.”

The NICE recommendation applies to England and Wales, and Scotland and Ireland will publish their decision following publication of the final guidance, according to the MS Society,

MS patient Clare Elgar said: “I truly believe cladribine has been the key to my MS stabilising. Since starting the treatment in 2021, I’ve experienced no relapses. Being able to take the treatment at home meant I could maintain my day-to-day routine and not have to travel to hospital.

“I’m thrilled the new criteria will give others like me the opportunity to benefit from this. I’m beyond excited to know more people will have the chance to share in this success and lead a much better life with MS.”