...Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. would like you to know that on January 30, 2009, they submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Fampridine-SR, a novel therapy developed to “improve walking ability” in people with multiple sclerosis.
Fampridine-SR is a sustained-release tablet formulation of the investigational drug fampridine (4-aminopyridine or 4-AP). In laboratory studies, fampridine has been found to improve impulse conduction in nerve fibers in which the insulating layer, called myelin, has been damaged. Currently, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is only available through compounding pharmacies, while Fampridine’s patented release formulation has been developed to provide a more consistent level of medication.
For lists of published studies regarding 4-AP and Fampridine-SR, see What is 4-aminopyridine? and 4-AP, Fampridine-SR, and Multiple Sclerosis. I had taken an interest in Acorda and Fampridine last summer, the result being a series of posts outlining the research involved in bringing this product to market.
The first clinical study of 4-aminopyridine in MS patients was published in 1983 and focused primarily on visual symptoms. The Phase 2 and two Phase 3 studies conducted by Acorda, total enrollment 660, focused on walking speed and lower leg strength. Through extension trials, 463 patients (approx 70%) continue to take Fampridine-SR with treatment duration ranging from seven months to almost five years.
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Does the demyelination from multiple sclerosis affect your ability to walk?
I have been taking 4-AP for a few months now. I'm getting it from a compounding pharmacy with a script. I did notice a marked improvement in my gait almost immediately. I still flare and have my rougher days, but I'm convinced it has helped a great deal.
ReplyDeleteI'm only familiar with this from Bubbie's stories and this blog but it seems to be helping Bubbie so it sounds like a good thing.
ReplyDeleteDitto on what DR says up there (cuz I'm too lazy to think of anything creative to say myself)
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this is what my neurologist said he may have me try? He said it was a clinical trial and taken orally. Interesting.... Thanks for the great info!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteLisa from what I'm reading here this seems like a drug I would try because it helps improve quality of life and has moderate side effects.