foodconsumer.org: FDA okays Extavia to treat multiple sclerosis

FDA okays Extavia to treat multiple sclerosis
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admin on 08/18/2009 03:29:00
 
By Rachel Stockton (rachels@foodconsumer.org)
The FDA announced that they've approved Extavia, a beta interferon that can help
mitigate symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
MS affects the central nervous system and is an autoimmune disorder; the body's
own immune system goes on the offensive and attacks the body's tissues. 
Specifically, the tissues surrounding the nerve fibers that send electric
signals to the brain are vehemently assaulted.
The symptoms range from mild to severe:  visual disturbances, such as double
vision, numbness, feeling of being on "pins and needles", speech impediments,
and partial or complete paralysis.  Most researchers believe that an
environmental factor, i.e. a virus, is what triggers the disease.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS), as many as ? of the nation's 400,000 MS patients experience cognitive
difficulties, such as lack of concentration, depression, and poor judgment - all
of which tend to be mild, and thus, overlooked.
For the last 16 years, several forms of beta interferon have been used as a
treatment; Extavia is the newest form of the naturally occurring antiviral
protein.
Typically, the disorder is diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Novartis
manufactures Extavia; the company recommends the drug be used for those who have
a new diagnosis of MS, or those experiencing relapse.  It is designed to help
slow down the progress of physical disability associated with MS, and to lessen
the severity and length of attacks on the patient.
Some of the side affects of Extavia are irritation at the injection site,
flu-like symptoms, headache and pain.  Prior to the use of beta interferon, many
of the so-called therapeutic drugs used to treat MS carried with them
significant risk and serious side affects.
Research into the enigmatic disorder is currently being carried out through
grants provided by NINDS and the National Institutes of Health.  The NINDS
website offers the location of a number of clinical trials currently being
offered throughout the country.