[NewsBot]

A drug whose clinical benefit in treating multiple sclerosis was discovered at Rush University Medical Center was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on January 22 and is now available in the U.S. The drug, called dalfampridine, is the first therapy for multiple sclerosis that can be taken orally.



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(From Topix Neurology)

[Chemar]

I copied this over here from the news feed on our health news forum

nopt sure if it has been discussed here yet

[Lady]

I believe that drug is now called Fampridine.

Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Intervention: Drug: Fampridine-SR (4-aminopyridine, 4-AP)

It is the Extended Release version (SR) of 4-AP that was originally Immediate Release (IR) and out for many years. Now you take it once every 12 hours,
2 x's a day.

Called by the nickname of "The walking drug".

I think we did discuss it, but I'm not quite sure. It is oral, but not a treatment, like the DMD's. It is a symptom drug to improve the walking speed in the 25 foot walk test.

Thanks News Bot

[Debbie D]

Isn't that Ampyra?

[barb02]

Yes! There was an interesting article about it in the Chicago tribune a few days ago. I don't have the link, but you can search for it on its site.

[Lady]

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

.

[ewizabeth]

My neuro is getting me signed up for this one. I should call and check tomorrow to see if I'll get it soon. It might help me to keep on ticking for a few more hours each day.

[Lady]

I hope it helps you at work Wiz.

Besides walking improvement many people had more good things to say about it.

Yes, you have to sign up for it. I spoke with my Neuro about it. There is the risk of seizures, so then want you to sign a release form verifying you know the risks.

Also, not to take more of the drug than prescribed. 2 capsules or tablets, at 10 mgs, every 12 hours. Because it is SR (extended release), it stays in your body for about 12 hours, it exits the kidneys, so you can't have retention problems or renal disease.