Fampridine approved
 

Fampridine (extended release pill version of 4-aminopyridine) was approved today.

http://phoenix.corporate-ir.net/phoe...8105&highlight=

HAWTHORNE, N.Y., Jan 22, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) today announced that it has received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for AMPYRA(TM) (dalfampridine), an oral treatment to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. AMPYRA demonstrated efficacy in people with all four major types of MS (relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, progressive relapsing and primary progressive). AMPYRA can be used alone or with existing MS therapies, including immunomodulator drugs.

...and they renamed it too! :p

AMPYRA?

Why does this make me want to check the fire?

Saw this on another posting too. Jim says he's going to wait and watch for awhile. The last "new" drug he took lowered his immune system (Novantrone) and almost took him down. The studies are interesting though and sound great! How cool to not have to take a shot anymore! But for now, Jim will lurk and watch. He doesn't walk either but who knows?

Or Vampira? lol

I believe this is more of a symptom relief drug, rather than an actual MS treatment.

It evidently helps people to walk faster in timed trials. This is important because it takes a lot of energy to walk and if you can walk faster your energy takes you further?

I think you're thinking about Fingolimod. I think that one is a treatment.

I too am gonna hang back and wait. lets see where this one goes. Change scares me. :o

Another pretty poison....literally... it's used as Bird Poison. :eek:

I hope it helps those of you who will be able to take it safely. :hug:

I spoke with one of the reps a few months ago. I forget exactly how he explained its function but was interesting and worth a try.

I know 1st hand testosterone increases strength (i take it) but this works different such as possibly adding a jumper to bypass the shorted nerve which if true is awesome since im still going downhilll even in Ty.

Goodluck all

:Doh: Yep. Your right I was thinking of Fingolimod. :o

Too M-A-N-Y drugs. :p

Funny, they begin with an *F* :D

Hey, if I can get my neuro to let me take it and my insurance company will pay for it, sign me up. I still have my boots and pack stuffed in the dark depths of the closet and I know, :( probably false hope for longing to stroll the high country and smell the fresh mountain air. But hey, you got to go for it! :D

If neuro and insurance approves it, I may give this one a try too.

My neuro likes this drug too. I told him one poison at a time for me.:p

I tried this bird poison (as I affectionately called it) had no real side effects except some very minor throat irritation) but with my PPMS and so advanced in a chair for a year it was not effective for me (You can't read the bitterness in that, can you?)

If prescribed, insurance should pay. Because I took it when not FDA approved, paid myself. Wasn't terribly expensive.

Have been in the extended study and am hoping to continue it depending on the cost as I have to pay 25% co-pay:eek: It has helped me walk!
Believe I read it won't be available till March.
Linda

Fampridine
 

I have been taking the compounded version. 4AP- 20 mgs (5 mgs every 4 hours) for a couple of months. I can bend the toes on my right foot which was not happening before. I have more energy. There is alot of info on the web about it. Interesting. Good stuff so far for me. I am going to have to stay with the compounded version for now. The new sustained release is expensive!!
Gina

FYI,

It also has a beneficial effect on heat related symptoms for some people.

Gina, how do you know what the cost will be and what is it ? I'm guessing costly but don't have any info.
Linda

More FYI

www.pharmalive.com/News/Index.cfm?articleid=682554

Feb 3, 2010 ... AMPYRA Wholesale Acquisition Price Set at $1056 per 30-Day Supply ... Launched for Uninsured and Underinsured To Provide AMPYRA at No Cost ...

Wow -- I hope my insurance will cover it. I have an appointment with my neuro next week. We'll see. Although, they covered copaxone and tysabri 100% so I would think it would cover this too.