Tolebrutinib – A New Era of MS Treatments Targeting Progression in Non-Relapsing MS
Tolebrutinib is the first and only disease modifying therapy (DMT) showing positive signs of slowing progression in non-relapsing secondary progressive MS (SPMS). While current DMTs focus on dampening the inflammatory aspects of MS, this significant breakthrough heralds a potential new era of therapies which look to target the underlying progression in MS. Currently in NZ, […]
Are you on an Infusion Treatment?
At MSNZ we would like to understand more about patient experiences with infusion treatments. The first line Disease Modifying Treatment (DMT) options we have been successful in advocating for in NZ are considered some of the best in the world. Due to the availability of these treatments and adopting healthy lifestyle recommendations, people are reportedly […]
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 […]
Addressing the unmet need
Currently, only approximately 1900 of the over 4130 New Zealanders diagnosed with MS are able to access funded Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). In particular, those with progressive forms of MS, Secondary (SPMS) and Primary Progressive MS (PPMS), have extremely limited access options. While not explicit in the DMT criteria wording, changes advocated for by MSNZ […]
Special Authority Criteria Amendment for DMTs
Multiple Sclerosis NZ received several reports from concerned patients regarding the ambiguity of the Special Authority Criteria for DMTs. With the support of Dr John Mottershead, Pharmac were approached for clarification. Concern centred around whether bilateral aids qualify for use for the 100m walk for treatment renewal and qualification. Pharmac have made the following amendment […]