New Drug for Multiple Sclerosis Connects Our Medical Facilities
In a significant breakthrough for those living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug fampridine-SR for the treatment of the debilitating disease. Fampridine-SR, also known as dalfampridine or 4-aminopyridine, is expected to be available beginning in March [1].
This drug, marketed as Ampyra by Acorda Therapeutics, works by enhancing nerve conduction, primarily helping to increase walking speed and improve walking ability in MS patients [2]. The drug's mechanism involves blocking potassium channels on nerve fibers, which in turn enhances axonal conduction and nerve signal transmission in demyelinated nerves affected by MS, leading to improved clinical function [3].
Clinical studies have demonstrated that fampridine-SR can significantly improve walking speed, making it easier for patients to walk and maintain mobility [1][2]. In addition, some evidence suggests that the drug may also improve certain neurological functions such as brain function and manual dexterity [2].
The clinical trial methodology for evaluating fampridine's impact required a new approach, as most MS drugs are measured by their ability to prevent relapses or slow the progression of the disease, not reverse symptoms once they became established [6].
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system and is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults. Common symptoms include gait difficulties, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in arms and legs, difficulty with coordination and balance, blurred vision, and slurred speech [7].
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have been evaluating the effects of fampridine-SR in MS for over 10 years. Andrew Goodman, M.D., chief of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center, has been a consultant and advisor for Acorda Therapeutics' fampridine studies in multiple sclerosis [4].
In a landmark Lancet study, 35% of patients taking the drug were responders who consistently improved their walking speed by an average of about 25% [5]. Patients also reported that they could walk farther distances, climb stairs better, and stay on their feet longer.
The license to develop fampridine was acquired by Acorda Therapeutics. The approval of fampridine-SR marks the first instance of a medication shown to enhance some neurological functions in people with multiple sclerosis [1].
Common side effects reported with fampridine-SR include nervous system-related symptoms like tremor and insomnia, as well as gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhea [1]. Despite these side effects, the benefits of improved mobility and enhanced quality of life for MS patients are significant.
References:
- FDA Approves Fampridine for Multiple Sclerosis
- Fampridine for Multiple Sclerosis: What You Need to Know
- Mechanism of Action of Fampridine in Multiple Sclerosis
- Andrew Goodman, M.D.
- Fampridine for Multiple Sclerosis Improves Walking Speed
- Clinical Trials for Fampridine in Multiple Sclerosis
- Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
- The approval of fampridine-SR by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marks a significant milestone in the health-and-wellness sector, as it is the first medication shown to enhance some neurological functions in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a debilitating disease that primarily affects walking speed and mobility in patients.
- Science continues to uncover advancements in the treatments of neurological disorders, such as MS, as shown in the Lancet study where 35% of patients taking fampridine consistently improved their walking speed by an average of about 25%.
- As clinical trials for fampridine in multiple sclerosis demonstrated, research in the field of medical-conditions like MS has led to the development of therapies-and-treatments like fampridine-SR, which works by enhancing nerve conduction, providing hope for those living with MS and other similar neurological disorders.
