MS Drug Ampyra Gets FDA Nod (helps some to walk faster)

[HuckleB]

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/news/20100122/ms-drug-ampyra-gets-fda-nod

"The FDA has approved Ampyra (dalfampridine), which improves walking ability in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).

About three-fourths of MS patients have trouble walking, and 70% of those with walking problems say this is the most challenging aspect of their disease.

Ampyra is taken with other MS drugs and does not keep MS from getting worse, says Andrew D. Goodman, MD, director of the MS center at the University of Rochester, N.Y. Goodman led some of the clinical trials that led to the drug's approval.

"A large segment of people with MS have difficulty walking, and we have found that it helps some patients -- 35% in one study and 42% in another -- to consistently walk faster," Goodman tells WebMD. "Among those who do walk faster, they improve about 25% from baseline. These patients said they could walk longer distances, be on their feet longer, climb stairs better, and better perform other walking functions."

..."

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It appears that it only helps a bit more than 1/3 of the people with MS, and there are many side effect issues, but it might be one more tool to help some.