NHS Introduces Expedited Multiple Sclerosis Injection to Improve Treatment Efficiency

The National Health Service (NHS) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has announced a significant advancement in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment: a new 10-minute injection designed to slow the disease's progression. This development, made by NHS England, aims to enhance treatment efficiency and patient convenience.

The medication, known as ocrelizumab, was previously administered as an intravenous infusion, a process that could take up to four hours in a hospital setting. The newly approved subcutaneous injection method promises to save time for both patients and healthcare providers. Health officials highlight the efficiency of this method, recently approved by medicine regulators in Great Britain and Europe.

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New Injection Method for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

MS, a chronic condition affecting over 150,000 people in the UK, sees approximately 135 new diagnoses each week. It is caused by an autoimmune response where the body's immune system erroneously attacks the protective sheath covering nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This attack disrupts the transmission of nerve signals, leading to various symptoms including vision problems, impaired movement, sensory issues, balance difficulties, and potential severe disability.

Ocrelizumab, also known by its trade name Ocrevus, is administered biannually and targets specific components of the immune system to mitigate these attacks. It is effective for two forms of MS: active relapsing MS and early primary progressive MS. The most common form, relapsing-remitting MS, is characterized by episodes of activity interspersed with periods of remission. In contrast, other cases exhibit a progressive decline without distinct relapses.

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Nin Sambhi, a 39-year-old resident of Staffordshire, was diagnosed with relapsing MS two years ago. She currently receives the drug as an infusion but anticipates that the injection will significantly improve her quality of life by allowing her more time with her young family. She stated, “Ocrelizumab is working well for me and gives me hope for a better and healthier future. The injection would be much more convenient, as my current infusions take four to five hours and coordinating childcare can be challenging.”

Benefits of the New Multiple Sclerosis Injection

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the national medical director of NHS England, remarked that ocrelizumab has represented a substantial advancement in MS care as the first drug capable of altering the disease’s trajectory. He added, “This new injection will drastically reduce the time required for regular treatment for those living with multiple sclerosis. Thousands of patients can spend less time in hospital, freeing up clinicians’ time to see more patients and providing essential capacity on wards.”

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The MS Society charity has praised the decision to license the injections, noting the increased treatment options available to patients. Ocrelizumab, manufactured by Roche, was first approved in the UK in 2018. Other injectable treatments for relapsing MS, such as ofatumumab, can also be administered by patients at home, offering further convenience.

News Source:- bbc.com