Thousands of NHS patients in England with multiple sclerosis (MS) are set to benefit from a revolutionary ‘take at home’ tablet, which is a first for a healthcare system in Europe. MS is a debilitating neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, causing severe pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, and vision problems.

The tablet, cladribine, requires just 20 days of treatment spread over four years, an alternative to existing therapies that require frequent self-injections, and extensive monitoring. Eight in ten patients experienced no relapses, and MRI scans showed they developed 7.5 times fewer new brain lesions compared to patients given a placebo

Those trying to conceive would be able to do so in years three and four of their treatment cycle because cladribine is administered in short courses over two years.

This has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for patients with active relapsing-remitting MS, and offers comparable clinical benefits to current treatments without intensive hospital visits.

Previously approved only for patients with more severe MS, today’s NICE decision means the cladribine is now available to a wider group of patients.

This rollout is expected to save thousands of clinical hours each year by freeing up hospital appointments.

Professor James Palmer, NHS medical director for specialised commissioning, said: “The NHS is proud to be the first healthcare system in Europe to roll out this innovative ‘take at home’ tablet widely for patients with active multiple sclerosis.

“Broadening access to cladribine means thousands more patients will benefit from managing their treatment at home rather than regularly attending hospital appointments — as well as giving women with MS who want to get pregnant more flexibility to do so around their treatment.

“This decision will also significantly free up clinical time, helping clinicians see more patients and boosting NHS productivity. It’s another example of the NHS’s commitment to improving patient care through innovation.”