Finally! NICE Accepts Drug for PPMS

It has long been the case that people with primary progressive multiple sclerosis are the Forgotten relatives of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In the UK, on the NHS, we have no drugs available to sufferers of PPMS governing body (called NICE) last year refused to pay for the drug, ocrelizumab. After negotiations between NHS England and Roche, which manufactures it under the name Ocrevus, the NHS finally bartered the price down to an acceptable level and have just accepted it for PPMS sufferers.

This is fantastic news as when NICE originally refused to pay for the drug (which is totally understandable because drugs companies always go in and attempt to get as much money as they can for the drugs that they develop), the multiple sclerosis community was up in arms that the only hope for PPMS sufferers had been refused.

The Guardian reports:

While 90,000 to 100,000 people in England are living with MS, about 650 a year in the UK are diagnosed with, and some 10,000-15,000 have, PPMS. 

“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,” said Simon Stevens, NHS England’s chief executive. It is trying to cut its £18bn annual drugs bill by £300m by 2021. 

In a statement Nice said: “Given the unmet clinical need of people with this form of MS, the cost-effectiveness estimates for ocrelizumab at the new lower price compared with best supportive care alone are in the range that Nice considers an acceptable use of NHS resources.” 

While the agency does not negotiate with pharma firms over price, several have reduced the price of products after Nice initially rejected them as too dear to be considered a good use of NHS funds. 

It first rejected ocrelizumab for that reason last September, but has now approved it after Roche agreed to supply it to the NHS at below its £19,160 list, or official, price. Yeah. I'm running low on also did you get any of milk call thank you 

“This is a revolutionary development for people with multiple sclerosis. This treatment has the power to slow down the condition so people can live longer, more independent and active lives,” said health minister Nicola Blackwood.

So, the drug won't be available to all sufferers in the PPMS category. My guess is that for people much further on in their journey and with a much higher EDSS score, they will consider the drug to be far less useful or effective. This is what the BBC has to say on the matter:

Despite the approval by NICE, there will still be restrictions placed on which people with primary progressive MS can access the treatment, because there is insufficient evidence it will benefit everyone enough. 

It is expected that between 6,000 and 8,000 people with the condition will be considered for treatment, but fewer than 3,000 of them are likely to be given it in the end.

Of course, It's drug Annie slows down progression where has HSCT How's it going ok holds it all together. You know where I put my money...