A twice-daily pill aimed at improving walking ability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is set to become available on the National Health Service (NHS) in England. The drug, fampridine—also known as Fampyra—has been described by experts and patient groups as potentially “life-changing” for thousands of patients.

MS is an incurable autoimmune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, vision problems, tingling sensations, and memory difficulties. Walking difficulties are common among patients, often addressed through physiotherapy, walking aids, or supportive devices. Fampridine is the first medication specifically licensed to improve mobility in people affected by this aspect of the disease.

The medication works by enhancing electrical signal transmission along damaged nerves, allowing muscles to function more effectively. This restoration of nerve signals can enable patients to walk more easily and extend their mobility. Clinical trials demonstrated that fampridine improved walking speed in approximately 43% of participants and increased the distance some could walk.

The NHS estimates that around 5,000 people with MS will be eligible for fampridine within the first year of its rollout. Eligibility is based on scores from the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), a clinical tool used to assess MS-related disability. Patients scoring between four and seven on the EDSS—ranging from those who can walk without aid for short distances to those who require wheelchairs or can walk only a few meters—will be offered the treatment. Those who respond positively to a two- to four-week trial will be able to continue with the medication.

Professor Frankie Swords, NHS national medical director, highlighted the potential impact of fampridine on the daily lives of people with MS, noting that even modest improvements in mobility can significantly enhance independence and quality of life. “Walking difficulties can have a huge impact on the freedom and independence of people with MS, so this signal-boosting pill could be life-changing for thousands of patients,” she said.

Patient advocates echoed this optimism. Ceri Smith, head of policy and evidence at the MS Society, emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to the treatment across England. “Fampridine is the only licensed treatment that helps improve walking ability for some people with MS,” Smith noted, calling for adequate support within MS services to reach all eligible patients, regardless of location.

Some patients who previously accessed fampridine privately welcomed its NHS availability. Aysen Slack, a 65-year-old from Eastbourne, said the medication had helped her mobility but was costly without NHS support. She expressed hope that she could resume treatment now that it will be available through the public health system.

The introduction of fampridine on the NHS marks a significant development in the management of MS-related mobility challenges, complementing existing supportive therapies and potentially improving the daily lives of many living with the condition.