Sept 22, 2010 - 4:30am
(RTTNews) - Novartis AG (NVS: News ) Wednesday announced that the US Food and Drug Administration approved the oral multiple sclerosis, or MS, drug Gilenya 0.5 mg daily, a first-line treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis - the most common forms of the disease.
(RTTNews) - Novartis AG (NVS: News ) Wednesday announced that the US Food and Drug Administration approved the oral multiple sclerosis, or MS, drug Gilenya 0.5 mg daily, a first-line treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis - the most common forms of the disease.
Gilenya is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. The drug can decrease the number of MS flare-ups or relapses. Gilenya does not cure MS, but it can help slow the build up of physical problems that MS causes.
Novartis also said the FDA
approval makes Gilenya the first oral treatment indicated for relapsing forms of MS available in the US.
The company noted that Gilenya showed superior efficacy by reducing relapses by 52% at one year compared with interferon beta-1a IM, a commonly prescribed treatment. Two-year, placebo-controlled study showed that Gilenya significantly reduced the risk of disability progression.
by RTT Staff Writer
Article Source: RTT News
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2 comments:
Nothing cures up to now, why somebody cannot find the cure! i'm fed up with the interferone side effects!!!
Here is more information about the side effects of the medication as well as its efficacy rate for preventing further relapses and slowing the disease process down:
"...Specifically, administration of this drug orally cut the MS relapse rate by 62 percent in newly diagnosed patients and by 44 percent in previously treated patients. The oral version of the drug also slowed the progression of disability in patients. According to experts, unlike many other MS drugs, Gilenya is not an immunosuppressant. Instead, it manipulates the immune system in a way that's beneficial for patients with MS. While the results are promising, like many pharmaceutical drugs, consumers need to remain cognizant of the risks that consumption entails. Patients must not forget that the risks of consuming Gilenya in pill form are the same as those drugs consumed by injection. Oral consumption does not decrease the health risks & side effects. Moreover, like other MS drugs, Gilenya can induce a number of side effects including increased blood pressure, reduced lung function, eye toxicity, decreased heart function, and an increased risk of infection....".
To read the full article, go to: http://www.justmeans.com/FDA-Approves-First-Ever-Oral-Multiple-Sclerosis-MS-Treatm...
Gilenya definitely has its own risks, but when a patient is fully informed of the risks and still elects to use this first-line therapy in fighting their MS, I think we should all respect the choices that others make, and I'm so happy if this medication works for them.
For me, I am currently on Tysabri therapy, having completed 51 infusions so far and basically, I have no side effects from the therapy which is 68% effective at reducing further relapses, slowing the disease process down, and experiencing a better Quality of Life..., so I'll stay with the more effective therapy (Tysabri), but nevertheless, I wish all those on Gilenya much success.
All my best to everyone -- Lauren
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