MEMBERS of Swindon Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre believe that a new drug could be the answer in the battle against the condition.

Tysabri is the first treatment to be specifically licensed for highly active relapsing-remitting MS, which is defined as two or more disabling relapses in one year and an active MRI scan.

Now, following a decision by the National Institute for Health And Clinical Excellence to support the drug, there is a legal requirement for funding to be put in place to cover treatment within three months of the recommendation.

"This drug does have the potential to be life-changing," said centre manager Jackie, who suffers from MS.

"It could make quality of life so much better and could get people back to where they were. These advances could make all the difference."

Over two years treatment with Tysabri for highly active form of the condition led to a 64 per cent reduction in the risk of disability getting worse and also cut the risk of relapses. It reduces attacks on nervous tissue.

About 14,000 MS patients worldwide receive Tysabri.

Clinicians are now required to take the Nice guidance into account when deciding about care for patients.

Karl Gase, 43, from West Swindon, was diagnosed with the condition four years ago.

He said: "There is lots of hope and the research is getting better.

"We are getting there and this drug could help.

"I think if you're in a desperate state with MS you would try it."

Steve Hooper, from Haydon Wick, had therapy treatment at the centre yesterday and thinks the drugs are the answer.

The 45-year-old said: "Any new drug is welcome if it can do some good.

"I'm in the primary progressive form of MS so these drugs might be suited to the early stages of MS, but I would have gone for them if they had been around a few years ago."

Bob Ayres, 44, who has been going to the centre for seven years, said: "I have read about these drugs and the stats look remarkable.

"I just hope they become available to benefit British MS sufferers. "

Emma Green, 41, from Sherston, who attends the Cheney Manor centre every Wednesday, said: "I have been in remission for two years so for now I wouldn't take these drugs but when I'm 50 who knows, I might need them.

"Everyone is different as the illness is so wide ranging but for those who qualify it could be a big thing."

Professor Gavin Giovannoni, from The Royal London Hospital, said: "This is an important decision that offers to transform the lives of people with highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis by delaying the progression of their disease, thereby allowing them to enjoy a more active and fulfilled life."

Highly active MS can have a devastating effect on the lives of the individual and their families.

These patients experience more relapses and will become disabled more quickly than those people with typical MS.

Disability often means that these patients are unable to work.

The MS Therapy Centre is at Unit 71A, in BSS House, on the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate.

It provides a range of treatments including an oxygen chamber. Contact the centre on 01793 481700.