MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferers in the region yesterday welcomed Government plans to introduce trials of the drug beta interferon.

The drug has been widely lauded for slowing down the debilitating effects of MS in some sufferers, but the treatment has been considered not cost effect in the past.

Yesterday, the Department of Health said it was looking at a "risk-sharing" scheme, working with drug companies to carry out a clinical trial across England and Wales.

The drug would be funded for relapsing and remitting MS patients and an assessment would then be made as to whether it was working.

If the outcome was positive, payments to the drug companies would be made. If not, they would be reduced on a sliding scale.

The MS Society believes that 10,000 patients across the country could benefit from beta interferon.

The Darlington and District branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society met Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn in May to press for neurologists to be able to make clinical judgments to prescribe the drug.

Jenny, Brookstein, welfare officer with the group, said: "It's good that the Department of Health has taken on board what people with MS are saying. It offers a glimmer of hope to people who want to be given a chance to try it."

Mother-of-two Jane Sinski, 42, of Middleton St George, near Darlington, has taken the drug for almost two years.

After suffering up to three relapses a year, since taking the drug she has not suffered any since.

"I have far more energy and, mentally, it has made a phenomenal difference," said Mrs Sinski, who was diagnosed with MS seven years ago.

"If I had a relapse I would not be able to drive or take the kids to school. My legs would ache, like they had bricks on them and I would have no energy.

"It is not a miracle worker, but it's meant I can enjoy running the kids about and I can walk around the supermarket.

"The announcement is very positive for a lot of people who are not on it."

The Department of Health, which is in talks with four drug companies, said it "should be possible to come to a constructive arrangement".