The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has published its advice that Lemtrada has been accepted for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), with active disease defined by clinical or imaging features.
“RRMS accounts for 85% of all initial diagnoses in multiple sclerosis. We are pleased that after many years in development, Lemtrada is now available to patients in Scotland. This provides people with multiple sclerosis with an important and innovative treatment option to consider in partnership with their multiple sclerosis specialists.” says Amy Bowen, director of Service Development at the MS Trust.
There are approximately 10,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in Scotland. The majority of people with RRMS experience approximately one or two relapses per year. Around half of all relapses may leave people with lingering problems and disability may accumulate over time.
Lemtrada is the second of Genzyme’s treatments for multiple sclerosis to receive approval for use from the SMC and become available for use within NHS Scotland. Lemtrada has also been approved by NICE and is available for NHS patients in England & Wales.
