Fingolimod
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19122034?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20080416/good-news-for-oral-ms-drug-fingolimod?page=2
When you look at all the biologic treatments [medications that target the immune system to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and reduce lesions within the brain] for MS, this 0.2% annualized relapse rate seems to be a new benchmark," Aradhye tells WebMD. "This was complemented by the encouraging observation that 89% of patients at year three have no evidence of inflammation in MRI brain scans [a sign of MS progression]."
posted by Deuce Ace @ 10:52 PM
1 Comments
1 Comments:
Fingolimod is released under the brand name of Gilenya in 2011 by Swiss co. Novartis. It is known to reduce relapses almost by 50% compared to Interferons.
It is once a day pill, which is much easier and desired solution for MS sufferers perhaps. However, there are a few questions that remain there
Price/Insurance: Apparently the cost is about $4000 a month. In which Insurance co-pay can be $800. There are different comments that can be found on http://ms.about.com/b/2010/10/01/gilenya-costs-48000-per-year.htm
Also, what about the countries like India? Is it available there? Multiple sclerosis awareness in India is v limited. It is not covered by Insurance companies. Employers do not accommodate it.
There is another oral drug Laqunimod by Teva Pharma (manufacturer of Copaxone or Glatiramer acetate) which is to be launched soon. Would it be still a friendlier solution. Time should tell soon.
There is also another oral drug Cladribine.
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