NICE accepts new oral MS treatment

on the 22 January 2014

Teriflunomide will be available on the NHS for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, NICE has decided.

Light micrograph showing demyelination of neurons due to multiple sclerosis | SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Teriflunomide, launching this month as Aubagio, is recommended for treating adults with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (normally defined as 2 clinically significant relapses in the previous 2 years) that isn't highly active or rapidly evolving.

The recommendation is contingent on the manufacturer providing teriflunomide with the discount agreed in the patient access scheme.

Teriflunomide is the active metabolite of leflunomide, which is used as a disease-modifying agent in rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Teriflunomide acts as an immunomodulator, reducing the number of circulating lymphocytes. It is taken once daily as a tablet.

"This is good news for people with MS and is a significant milestone in improving the care of MS patients in the UK," said Dr Benjamin Turner, Clinical Neurologist at Barts Health NHS Trust.

Teriflunomide will appear in the March-May print edition of MIMS.

NICE guidance on teriflunomide for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

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