Britain's cost-effectiveness watchdog has again recommended multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, made by Ireland 's Elan Corp and Biogen Idec, for use in patients with a severe form of the disease.
Tysabri is the first treatment for multiple sclerosis to be recommended for use by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
"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," said
Professor Gavin Giovannoni of The Royal London Hospital in a statement.
"Following today's NICE guidance, our priority now must be to ensure that those patients with the most highly active form of MS have access to this treatment," Giovannoni added.
Elan and Biogen welcomed the final guidance given by NICE, following its initial recommendation in July when it reversed its earlier decision, for Tysabri which is a key drug for both companies.
Sales of Tysabri were suspended in February 2005 over links to a rare, and potentially fatal, brain disease. But the treatment returned to the market last year after regulators ruled its efficacy meant it should be available, albeit with tougher prescription guidelines.
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that can progress from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.