Health

Multiple Sclerosis sufferers frustrated at Pharmac's limits

18:18 pm on 7 October 2019

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Multiple Sclerosis sufferers feel abandoned by Pharmac's decision to fund a new drug for the nervous system disorder; but only for a limited number of people, determined by a strict screening criteria.

The drug buying agency confirmed it has finalised a deal with Roche for Ocrelizuman for people with what's known as relapsing remitting MS.

MS can affect vision, balance and muscle control and some sufferers need to use wheelchairs.

Amanda Rose is the National Manager of Multiple Scleroisis NZ. She says hundreds of MS patients will still miss out on a drug that could significantly improve their lives.