Beta interferon, the only drug that people with multiple sclerosis say makes any difference to their condition, is not to be made universally available on the NHS, it was announced yesterday.

The decision, by the national institute for clinical excellence (Nice), marks the end of a battle lasting for more than two years.

But the government has said it will allow neurologists to give the drug to those who they think would benefit as part of a national study. Costs of what has been described as a "risk sharing" scheme will be split between the NHS and drug manufacturers. The scheme was suggested by Nice.