Multiple sclerosis: new UK guidelines on disease-modifying therapies

The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued its Final Appraisal Determination recommending the use of four out of six disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In the new draft guidelines, interferon beta-1b (Extavia®, Novartis (Camberley, UK)), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®, Teva UK Ltd (Wakefield, UK)), and interferon beta-1a (Avonex®, Biogen Idec Ltd (Maidenhead, UK), and Rebif®, Merck Serono Ltd (Feltham, UK)) have been recommended for treating RRMS in the NHS, within their marketing authorizations and provided that the drugs’ providers supply them with the discounts agreed in the patients access schemes. Cuts to the...