MS Ireland welcomes the news that Aubagio (Teriflunomide) has been made available in Ireland. The treatment is now available under the HSE High Tech Drug Scheme, as of 1st August 2014. Aubagio 14 mg is a once-daily, oral therapy indicated in the European Union for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
“This is an exciting development for the MS community in Ireland who face daily challenges from their debilitating disease. The availability of Aubagio, as the first oral, once-daily, first-line medicine for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS, offers an alternative to repeated injections which for many patients can be a real burden on top of their symptoms,” commented Ava Battles, Chief Executive MS Ireland.
Ms Battles continued: “MS Ireland believes people with MS should have access to all and any appropriate and licensed treatments that would improve or assist in the management of their condition.”
RRMS accounts for approximately eighty-five per cent of all initial diagnoses in MS. Approximately 250 people are diagnosed with MS every year in Ireland, with over 8,000 people directly affected by the condition. The majority of people with RRMS experience approximately one to two relapses per year. Around half of all relapses may leave people with lingering problems and disability may accumulate over time.
Aubagio’s availability in Ireland marks an important step in improving the standard of care available to people with MS. “Having been involved in the clinical trials for Aubagio, I am delighted to see this new treatment option now available for physicians in Ireland to consider with their patients. Multiple Sclerosis as a disease and living with its effects has a huge impact on people with MS and those around them. New treatments which try to reduce that impact, such as the availability of a once-daily oral medication like Aubagio, are welcome.” commented Dr Benjamin Turner, Consultant Neurologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, London.