A biology teacher has become the first patient in the UK to receive a pioneering therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) that experts believe could halt or slow the progression of the disease. Emily Henders, 37, from Bushey, Hertfordshire, was treated at University College London Hospital (UCLH) last week as part of a global clinical trial.
Ms Henders, a mother of two, was diagnosed with MS on Christmas Eve 2021 after experiencing tingling in her hands. Despite taking one of the most highly effective medications for the condition, she has suffered four debilitating relapses, including one where she was unable to stand and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance.
The new treatment, known as CAR T-cell therapy, is custom-built for each patient in the laboratory. It involves extracting the patient's own T cells, genetically engineering them to recognise and kill the B cells that cause damage in MS, and then infusing them back into the body to 'reset' the immune system. Ms Henders described the three-minute infusion procedure as straightforward and said she is 'feeling really good', with her energy restored and no nausea or fevers.
Dr Claire Roddie, a consultant haematologist at UCLH, said the therapy offers real hope for MS patients and has already shown success in treating cancer and lupus. 'Our ultimate goal is to achieve long periods of disease remission with a single, one-time CAR T-cell treatment,' she said, adding that the 'one and done' concept could mean patients no longer need other drugs. 'If we could achieve that in MS, it would transform so many people's lives.'
Caitlin Astbury, senior research communications manager at the MS Society, described the treatment as a potential gamechanger but cautioned that it is early days. The trial aims to recruit up to 18 patients globally by early 2027. Ms Henders hopes the therapy will prevent her from experiencing another relapse and reduce the likelihood of needing a wheelchair in the future.
