The Multiple Sclerosis Society has warned that the condition of people affected by the disease is getting worse as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence drags its feet over whether to approve beta-interferon for treatment.

The chairman of the society branded the delay as "dishonourable, disgraceful and disgusting".

NICE has said that it will publish research into the cost of prescribing the drug on the NHS in July, but its board meetings are being picketed by people protesting at the delay which they say means that some MS sufferers have deteriorated to such an extent that they would no longer benefit from treatment with the drug.