The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7172 p633-638
3 November 2001

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NHS deal on beta-interferon for MS under discussion

A deal between the National Health Service and the manufacturers of beta interferon and related products that might overcome obstacles to their use in multiple sclerosis is being discussed.

The Department of Health said on 31 October that it was discussing a range of options that could make the products available.

One such possibility is a risk-sharing scheme in which the drug would be funded for relapsing-remitting MS patients. After a period of time an assessment would be made of whether the drug was working for patients. If it was, payments would continue. If not, payments to manufacturers would be reduced on a sliding scale.

Although no agreement has been reached, the Department is confident that a constructive solution will be found.

The discussions follow advice from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence that the Department and manufacturers might usefully consider what actions could be taken, jointly, to enable beta-interferon and glatiramer to be provided cost-effectively for patients in the NHS in England and Wales.

The discussions have been welcomed by the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

See Comment, p632

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