New oral treatment developed for MS

Results of a clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine have offered new hope to multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

The development of an oral treatment for MS sufferers could see thousands of people manage their illness more easily, the study suggests.

When compared to a placebo, doses of the drug were found to improve relapse rates and reduce the risk of disability progression, according to the research.

Dr Doug Brown, biomedical research manager at the MS Society, said: "For the first time, potentially in a year, we will have oral therapies available for MS.

"The current therapies range from daily self injections through to monthly infusions at hospital clinics. Being able to take a tablet instead of injecting will be welcome relief to the tens of thousands of people with MS in the UK."

Around 100,000 people in the UK are currently living with MS, which is known to be the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults.

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