Late stage study shows improved walking disability in people with MS
Acorda Therapeutics reported positive results following a second phase III clinical trial of the experimental drug Fampridine (4-aminopyridine) which could improve mobility and quality of life in people with MS.
The latest trial involved 240 people with MS in the United States and Canada with some degree of walking disability, divided into groups that either took Fampridine or placebos twice daily.
Almost 43 percent of people taking Fampridine showed consistent improvement in walking speed during the 2-month study, compared with 9 per cent of people taking the placebo.
The results were similar to those seen in an earlier 14 week study of the medicine. People who responded to the medicine in both phase III studies, on average, required about 25 per cent less time to walk a distance of 25 feet. Other positive results included increased leg strength in those on active treatment.
Acorda Therapeutics Inc. has stated that it will seek U.S. marketing approval early next year for Fampridine.
There are currently no approved treatments that addresses walking disability for people with multiple sclerosis, however although Fampridine appears to help improve mobility of people with MS, it does not slow the progression of MS. This is a symptomatic therapy, rather than one that is likely to alter the course of the condition.
Fampridine is a drug that blocks potassium channels, such as those in nerve fibres. This might improve the transmission of nerve impulses down damaged nerve fibres.
Fampridine was relatively well tolerated. Common side effects from the trials include urinary tract infections, insomnia, headache, nausea, dizziness back pain, fatigue and balance problems. Serious adverse events included one case of anxiety and one seizure.
Almost 43 percent of people taking Fampridine showed consistent improvement in walking speed during the 2-month study, compared with 9 per cent of people taking the placebo.
The results were similar to those seen in an earlier 14 week study of the medicine. People who responded to the medicine in both phase III studies, on average, required about 25 per cent less time to walk a distance of 25 feet. Other positive results included increased leg strength in those on active treatment.
Acorda Therapeutics Inc. has stated that it will seek U.S. marketing approval early next year for Fampridine.
There are currently no approved treatments that addresses walking disability for people with multiple sclerosis, however although Fampridine appears to help improve mobility of people with MS, it does not slow the progression of MS. This is a symptomatic therapy, rather than one that is likely to alter the course of the condition.
Fampridine is a drug that blocks potassium channels, such as those in nerve fibres. This might improve the transmission of nerve impulses down damaged nerve fibres.
Fampridine was relatively well tolerated. Common side effects from the trials include urinary tract infections, insomnia, headache, nausea, dizziness back pain, fatigue and balance problems. Serious adverse events included one case of anxiety and one seizure.
