NHS England Faces Concerns Over MS Drug Switch After Reports of Severe Side Effects

Patients at Charing Cross Hospital report serious complications following a transition from Tysabri to the biosimilar Tyruko as part of a cost-saving initiative.

• Approximately 170 multiple sclerosis patients at Charing Cross Hospital experienced significant side effects, including relapses, mobility issues, and severe fatigue, after switching to Tyruko.
• Tyruko, a biosimilar drug produced by Sandoz, was introduced by NHS England to replace the more expensive Tysabri, aiming to save £1 billion over five years.
• While NHS England claims the adverse effects are isolated to Charing Cross, some patients report similar experiences at other hospitals across England.
• Half of the affected patients at Charing Cross have been switched back to Tysabri after worsening symptoms persisted for months, contrary to initial expectations of mild, short-term side effects.
• NHS England is working with the Department of Health and regulatory authorities to investigate the issue and evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Tyruko.

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