New drug may ease symptoms of MS: Local researcher to answer questions during lecture

A new medication that helps people with multiple sclerosis walk better soon will be on the market.

Fampridine, which comes in pill form, was approved last week by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may be on the shelves by the end of this year or early next year, said Daniel Wynn, director of clinical research and co-director of the Northbrook-based Consultants in Neurology’s Multiple Sclerosis Center.

The compound form of the drug has been used as a bird poison.

The biotechnology firm Acorda Therapeutics, in conjunction with Elan Drug Technologies, a drug delivery company, began clinical studies several years ago. They discovered that Fampridine improves impulse conduction in nerve fibers in which the insulating layer, called myelin, has been damaged. 

In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin. Nerves with damaged myelin do not function as efficiently, causing the symptoms of MS – loss of muscle control, vision, balance and sensation.

Wynn was an investigator for Fampridine in its clinical trials. He and his nurse, Cathy Meyers, will talk about the drug Oct. 31 during an annual lecture sponsored by the Sauk Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group.

Multiple sclerosis is one of the most debilitating disease in the world, Wynn said.

“This is something that can strike in the prime of life. The more people that can learn about this disease and how to treat it, the better.”

Because most MS treatments are intravenous, many diagnosed with the disease do not take their medicine. Having a medicine in pill form will make it easier for people, he said.

Another new MS drug, Cladribine, is awaiting FDA approval.

In clinical studies, it has proven effective in slowing down some of the symptoms, and in reducing the number of relapses.

To attend

Sauk Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group is sponsoring a free lecture on a new FDA-approved oral medication.

The lecture is 10 a.m. Oct. 31 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 421 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon.

Dr. Daniel Wynn, director of clinical research and co-director of the Northbrook-based Consultants in Neurology’s Multiple Sclerosis Center, and his nurse, Cathy Meyer, will speak.