Breakthrough multiple sclerosis drug brings hope to UAE's high population of MS patients

A new breakthrough drug for multiple sclerosis will be released in the UAE in a move that doctors hope will change the lives of those with the condition.

Cladribine (Mavenclad) is an oral therapy that will be available in hospitals within weeks.

The pills are taken for a maximum of up to 20 days and patients are then, according to clinical trials, symptom-free for up to four years.

Despite advances in medicine, finding the right treatment is trial and error.

The patient is prescribed one drug and after a few months or a year, it there is no improvement, they are given another one.

Dr Alroughani belives that is wrong. “The right approach is to hit the disease with the right drug, not the trial and error approach.”

Dr Shatila also said the ability to pinpoint the right drug for the right type of condition will improve in time and with greater expertise.

“We don’t have a cure but we will reach a point where it is managed very well and there is no trace of disability, but early treatment is very important," he said.