How many patients have been prescribed beta interferon or glatiramer acetate for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in each year since 199…

The information is not held centrally in the form requested. The information available to the Executive, which was collected on an informal basis, is given in the table. The information is given on a national basis in order not to disclose information that may relate to an individual patient.
Date
| Number of Patients in Scotland Treated with Beta Interferon or Glatiramer Acetate

December 1999
| 181

October 2000
| 254

April 2002
| 350 (approximately)


A UK-wide risk-sharing scheme for the treatment of eligible patients with multiple sclerosis began on 6 May 2002. The scheme allows beta interferon and glatiramer acetate to be prescribed on the NHS to patients who meet criteria developed by the Association of British Neurologists. The Sheffield University School for Health and Related Research (ScHARR) is responsible for collecting and analysing information on health outcomes for patients who receive treatment under the scheme. At the end of April 2004, there were approximately 850 patients in Scotland receiving treatment with beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.