Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) approved for relapsing remitting MS in Scotland

The MS Trust is delighted that Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) has been approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

SMC has recommended that Vumerity can be prescribed for people with relapsing remitting MS.

This is excellent news. Vumerity is as effective as Tecfidera but has fewer stomach problems, meaning you can take it with a meal or on an empty stomach. An effective treatment that fits into your daily routines means you can live a life with MS that is not defined by MS.

- David Martin, Chief Executive Officer, MS Trust

NICE is currently reviewing Vumerity for NHS use in England and Wales; a decision is expected May 2022.  In Northern Ireland, the Department of Health reviews and endorses appropriate NICE appraisals.

About Vumerity

Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is taken as a tablet, twice daily. You start with a low dose for the first week then increase to the full dose. This gives your body time to get used to the new treatment, reducing the risk of side effects.

Vumerity is similar to Tecfidera. In the body, both drugs are converted to monomethyl fumarate which reduces inflammation caused by MS activity and may protect nerve cells from damage.

In clinical trials, Vumerity reduced relapse rates and the number of active lesions seen on MRI scans.

The most common side effects reported in clinical trials were gastrointestinal discomfort which was mild to moderate in 30% of participants and severe in 1%; and flushing or flushing related side effects which affected 44% of participants. Flushing improved in 74% of those affected, on average within 3-4 days. Other side effects included nasopharyngitis (common cold), diarrhoea and chest infections.