Scientists specialising in MS and presenting at the annual American Academy of Neurology convention in Seattle have reported research findings that take the field of MS treatments to a “new dawn”.

Head of Research at the MS Society, Dr Lee Dunster, said: “This week’s announcements herald a step change in treatment options for people with the most prevalent form of MS at the time of diagnosis.

“News of the development of two oral therapies for MS marks a new dawn and this could be a huge step forward for people who currently have to inject their treatments.

“We are looking at treatments that could be available on the NHS by the end of next year that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Today (Thursday), Professor Gavin Giovannoni from Queen Mary, University of London announced trial results of the drug cladribine, which may become the first effective treatment available in tablet form for relapsing remitting MS.

The Merck Serono drug, used in leukaemia for a number of years, was shown in latest studies in more than 1,300 people to bring about a 58 per cent reduction in yearly relapse rates compared to placebo.

There was also a 30 per cent reduction in progression of disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and a reduction in lesion activity (as measured by MRI) in participants taking up to 30 cladribine tablets over the two years.

Meanwhile, Novartis announced news yesterday (Wednesday) of the latest results of their oral MS therapy, FTY270 (fingolimod).

The Phase III results showed that in more than 1,200 people with relapsing remitting MS the drug brought about a 52 per cent reduction in yearly relapse rates compared to beta interferon.

The treatment has yet, however, to show potential to slow progression of disability.