Posted on 25/01/2010 in Pharmaceutical Company Product News Biogen Idec has announced that AMPYRA (dalfampridine), its therapy designed to improve the walking capabilities of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The extended-release tablet version of the investigational compound dalfampridine was shown to noticeably increase walking speed in MS patients and will be marketed by Acorda Therapeutics.
Acting by blocking the potassium channels in demyelinated nerves, the tablets reduce the leakage of current from axons - restoring neuronal conduction and action potential formation.
Alfred Sandrock, senior vice-president of neurology research and development at Biogen Idec, said: "For people with MS, impaired walking ability is one of the most common and concerning aspects of the disease. AMPYRA may be an important therapy in reducing the impact of this debilitating condition."
Earlier this month, Biogen Idec revealed that two phase III trials showed the effectiveness of Fampridine-PR tablets in improving the walking ability of patients with relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, progressive relapsing and primary progressive versions of MS.Other news stories from 25/01/2010
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