Campaigners from the York and District Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society welcomed the announcement by the Government to allow the continuation of prescription trials of Beta Interferon.

The Department of Health wants sufferers to test whether the controversial drug works for them, despite advice from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) that the drug is not cost-effective.

Branch chairman John Eels said he was encouraged by the news, but hoped that Nice would not change its mind again after raising many MS sufferers' hopes.

"Obviously I think it is confirmation that the authorities believe that the continuation of Beta Interferon and the expansion of the tests is very worthwhile. The benefits must be becoming much more obvious and provable. There are a number of people in York and the surrounding areas who are taking the drug and this is good news for them. I just hope NICE doesn't change its mind."

Currently about 2,000 patients are being prescribed the drugs, which costs the Government between £6,000 and £8,000 per patient, on the NHS.

Norton MS sufferer Karen MacFarlane said the announcement was very good news and believed the drug should be prescribed for some MS sufferers regardless of money.

"This drug can change lives for people suffering with MS. I cannot take the drug myself, but for others who can I think this is a positive step."

Updated: 11:30 Thursday, November 01, 2001