The first drug to help people with multiple sclerosis walk is being made available on the NHS in England. Fampridine, also known as Fampyra, boosts nerve signals to make it easier for some patients to move and live independently.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the drug is recommended for adults with MS who have walking difficulties. Clinical trials have shown that fampridine can improve walking speed in about one-third of patients.
One patient, Aysen Slack, who previously paid for the drug privately, welcomed the decision. 'It has transformed my life,' she said. 'I can now walk to the shops and play with my grandchildren.'
The NHS estimates that around 5,000 people with MS in England could benefit from the treatment. The drug works by blocking potassium channels in damaged nerves, improving the transmission of electrical signals.
MS affects more than 130,000 people in the UK, with symptoms including fatigue, mobility problems, and vision issues. The approval of fampridine marks a significant step in managing the condition.
