Deb yes, it is the same drug.

AMPYRA™
(dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, for Oral Use was approved, and then changed the name.

Safety and Efficacy Study of Oral Fampridine-SR on Walking Ability in Multiple Sclerosis, was the name in the beginning, during the studies in 2003.

The FDA let Acorda Therapeutics change the name to Ampyra upon approval. Now it is availabe as of March 12, 2010 from your Neuroloigist by prescription only.

4-AP was the cheap version IR, for many years people had it compounded.

When it went to Ampyra SR, the pharmacy gets it wholesale for $1056.00 a month (30 day supply) for it. Assistance is availabe through Accorda. Others now can charge it to their medical ins co.

In the press release.

Acorda Therapeutics Announces Pricing and Patient Assistance Programs for AMPYRA (dalfampridine)
AMPYRA Wholesale Acquisition Price Set at $1,056 per 30-Day Supply

Patient Assistance Program Launched for Uninsured and Underinsured To Provide AMPYRA at No Cost
Co-Pay Program Implemented To Help Manage Out-of-Pocket Expenses

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