Pharmax Sativex
In December 2023, Pharmac proposed to decline funding for inactive applications, this included an application to fund Sativex for MS spasticity. MSNZ has written to the Pharmac Board to ask that this application remain live and we be permitted to present more evidence regarding the patient’s need. Sativex is currently unfunded and costs approximately $300 […]
Living Well with MS – Our NEW resources
We are thrilled to share with you our newest resources. Our Living Well with MS (LWWMS) booklet will provide you with a good overview of what multiple sclerosis is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, the symptoms and treatment options and most importantly insights on how to live well with multiple sclerosis. The booklet […]
Ocrelizumab for Primary Progressive MS
On the 1st of October Ocrevus (Ocrelizumab) was finally funded for those with Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) who meet the Pharmac criteria for access. We prepared some information to answer the most common questions we have been receiving. Ocrevus for PPMS – Your Questions Answered. In most cases this will require you to request a […]
MS Voice Newsletter – November 2023
Welcome to our November 2023 edition of MS Voice. This month we introduce you to our new banger, invite you to our bladder and bowel health webinar and provide you with up-to-date research and development, amongst other exciting updates. View MS Voice – November 2023 PDF here. View online copy here. If you would like […]
Doctors encouraged by early-stage trial of MS stem cell therapy
MSNZ note this was a small trial and it’s in the very early stages but this is an interesting development in stem cell research. Doctors are cautiously hopeful about a new multiple sclerosis therapy after finding that injecting stem cells into patients’ brains was safe and potentially protective against further damage from the disease. The […]
MSMilan 2023 Conference Review
In this report, Dr John Mottershead provides an overview of the recent MSMilan 2023 Conference he attended. In this review: – NGDs which mimic MS – Junior resident accuracy in recognising MS – Alternative diagnoses in suspected MS – Tapering of oral prednisone after intravenous methylprednisolone: optic neuritis outcomes – Tolebrutinib in relapsing MS – Diroximel fumarate in relapsing-remitting MS & […]
Mavenclad® Cladribine – Have your Say by Friday 22nd September 2023
Mavenclad® Cladribine – Have your Say MSNZ is currently preparing a submission to Pharmac to urge them to again consider funding Mavenclad (Cladribine) for Relapsing Remitting MS. Our submission is due this Friday 22nd September. Real world and clinical trial data shows the treatment benefits for those with Relapsing Remitting MS. It is also available […]
Ocrevus for PPMS – Your Questions Answered
Here’s what you need to know about Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) for Primary Progressive MS. Download PDF copy here: PPMS Ocrevus FAQ – 13 September 2023. What medicines are available to treat Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS)? There is only one medicine, Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab), that has been approved by Medsafe to treat primary progressive MS […]
Media Release: “Relief” over Pharmac Decision to Fund First-Ever Treatment for Debilitating Form of Multiple Sclerosis
A seven year battle on behalf of hundreds of people living with the most debilitating form of Multiple Sclerosis has been won – with Pharmac agreeing to fund Aotearoa New Zealand’s first ever treatment for the disease variant from October 1st. Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand (MSNZ) says the decision to fund Ocrelizumab is hugely positive […]
World Health Organisation adds three Disease Modifying Therapies for MS onto Essential Medicine List
Image: myriam-zilles-unsplash Today, the World Health Organisation (WHO) added three Disease Modifying Treatments (DMTs) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) onto its Essential Medicines List for the first time. Addressing the global MS movement, Prof Mai Sharawy, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), highlights the positive impact of the WHO’s decision […]