Biogen has announced that Fampyra® (fampridine) has been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for use within NHS Scotland. The SMC has approved its use for the improvement of walking in adult patients with multiple sclerosis with walking disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] 4 to 7). This advice applies only in circumstances where the approved NHS Scotland Patient Access Scheme (PAS) is utilised or where the list/contract price is equivalent or lower than the PAS price.1
Fampridine is recommended for use in all subtypes of MS, including relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and progressive relapsing MS (PRMS) that have either very limited or no treatment options, depending on disease severity.2 Two out of every three patients with MS will develop a degree of disability and walking impairment.2
Dr. Simon Beck, Medical Director, Biogen UK & Ireland, said:
Walking problems affect most people with MS and losing independence as a result of reduced mobility is one of their greatest fears.
Fampridine is the only treatment shown to improve walking ability in people living with MS-related walking disability, so today’s SMC decision could make a real difference to those with mobility challenges in Scotland and their carers, many of whom have been funding their own treatment until now.
Fampridine received a positive funding recommendation from the All Wales Medicine Strategy Group (AWMSG) in December 2019.3 Ireland granted reimbursement of fampridine in September 2015 along with 12 other countries in Europe.
References
1 Scottish Medicines Consortium. Fampridine 10mg prolonged-release tablet (Fampyra®) April 2020
2 Executive summary of fampridine reimbursement submission
3 All Wales Medicines Strategy Group Final Appraisal Recommendation – 1919: Fampridine (Fampyra®) 10 mg prolonged-release December 2019
