An arthritis drug that is quite powerful has been approved in Scotland after it was feared it was too expensive for patients in England & Wales.

The NICE (National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence) has said that the drug Tocilizumab was too expensive for people not living in Scotland.

The treatment aims an inflammatory signaling molecule to reduce symptoms, used in combination with standard anti-inflammatory drug MTX researchers have discovered that Tocilizumab can improve remission rates for those with arthritis.

Leading rheumatologist Professor John Isaacs, from the Institute of Cellular Medicine at the University of Newcastle, said: “This is fantastic news for people in Scotland who suffer from this disabling, life-long disease.

“However, it also highlights the disparities in accessing treatment between Scotland and the rest of the UK.”

Ailsa Bosworth, chief executive of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, which receives support from pharmaceutical companies including Roche, said: “The SMC’s decision provides people with rheumatoid arthritis in Scotland who face a life of pain and potential disability another chance of combating their disease.

“We strongly hope that Nice will revise its draft guidance to ensure that people with rheumatoid arthritis across the country are able to benefit from RoActemra.”