Today marks a significant breakthrough for thousands of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in England, as a new walking therapy becomes available on the NHS. From today, 23 July 2026, fampridine - a twice-daily pill - will be routinely prescribed to adults with MS who struggle with mobility issues.
This innovative treatment works by boosting the signals between damaged nerves and muscles, allowing for more effective communication. For many patients, even a small improvement in walking can make a huge difference to their daily life, making everyday tasks like getting around the house or visiting loved ones much easier.
Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing a range of symptoms including weakness, fatigue, numbness, balance problems, and difficulty with walking. Historically, support for MS-related mobility issues has focused on physiotherapy, exercise programmes, walking aids, and treatments to manage muscle stiffness.
Clinical trials have shown that fampridine (marketed as Fampyra) can improve walking speed by up to 43% in some patients. The treatment will initially be prescribed for a two-to-four-week trial period, during which patients' walking ability will be assessed before and after taking the medication. Those who experience significant benefits will continue the treatment subject to regular reviews.
It's estimated that around 5,000 people with MS in England will be eligible for fampridine within its first year of availability. This decision follows a thorough assessment by NHS England's Clinical Priorities Advisory Group, which evaluates specialist treatments based on their patient benefit. The medication will be available to adults with any type of MS who have a walking disability that falls between an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 4 and 7, indicating a range from being able to walk around 500 metres without aid to relying largely on a wheelchair.