§ Phil Sawford:To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have received treatment for multiple sclerosis through the Risk Sharing scheme; and whether the target of 9,000 patients by November will be reached. [131178]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton:We estimate that at the end of August, some 6,300 patients were receiving treatment with a disease modifying treatment for their multiple sclerosis. Around 300 patients each month are being initiated on treatment.
The figure of 9,000 patients mentioned in Health Service Circular 2002/004 is not a target, but represents an estimate of the total number of patients who might be eligible for treatment under the guidelines prepared by the Association of British Neurologists.