The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued final guidance recommending that Lemtradashould be reimbursed on the National Health Service (NHS), as an option for treating adults with active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, within its marketing authorisation. Lemtradahas been shown to significantly reduce annualised relapse rates in both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced adult patients with active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis versus an active comparator.
Lemtrada, a humanised monoclonal antibody therapy, is the first multiple sclerosis therapy to demonstrate superior reduction in the risk of disability accumulation in treatment-experienced people, when compared to subcutaneous interferon beta 1a (SC IFNB-1a).
“We are delighted that after many years in development, Lemtrada is now available on the NHS. Treatments which have the potential to improve the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis should be available to all who might benefit. Lemtrada offers an important additional treatment option which will be welcomed by the multiple sclerosis community,” says Amy Bowen, director of Service Development at the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.Unlike other MS treatments currently available, Lemtrada is administered in two short treatment courses, one year apart.
