JKR speaks out on MS drug decision

The Scottish Medicines Consortium will deny patients of Tysabri (a drug which combats an aggressive form of Multiple Sclerosis), ahead of a debate on the drug tomorrow. The reason being that it's too costly - 15,000 pounds sterling a year per patient. The decision also means doctors must apply to the health board in each individual case for funding of the drug.

Jo Rowling, who lost her mother to the disease and is the patron of the MS Society of Scotland, has condemned the SMC's decision:

"I know from personal experience that MS can have a devastating effect on everyone who comes into contact with it. My mother suffered terribly with MS and it was so frustrating that there was little or nothing doctors could do to help her.

"If a drug can help tackle MS - particularly the very aggressive type of relapsing MS we are talking about - it should not be ruled out because of cost alone.

"Once again, decisions about treatment are being made by accountants rather than clinicians, and I hope MSPs will speak up on behalf of the thousands of families affected by MS across Scotland."

Posted by Ciaran on Feb 28th | 138 Comments