NHS England begins providing fampridine for MS walking

The first drug specifically designed to improve walking ability for people with multiple sclerosis is now being routinely made available on the National Health Service in England. The medication, fampridine, began its rollout on July -, 2026, marking a significant policy shift that could benefit thousands of patients.

Fampridine works by boosting nerve signals, helping electrical messages travel more effectively along nerves damaged by MS to the muscles. This can translate into improved walking speed and endurance for some patients. Clinical trials indicated that approximately four in ten people taking the drug experienced such improvements. NHS officials estimate that up to 5,000 people in England could be eligible for the treatment in its first year.

Eligibility is based on the extent of a patient's walking difficulties, measured by an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between 4 and 7. Patients will initially try the medicine for two to four weeks, with their walking assessed before and after. Only those who show a clear benefit will continue taking it, with regular reviews to monitor its effectiveness.

The decision follows a rigorous assessment by NHS England's Clinical...