Reports in the New England Journal of Medicine today (21 January 2010) indicate that clinical trials of the drugs Fingolimod and Cladribine show favourable results for treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod and Cladribine are pharmaceutical medications for relapsing-remitting MS and would be taken as capsules, as opposed to most currently available treatments, which are administered by injection. MS Australia welcomes research into any new therapies which may give people living with MS more options for the reduction in disease activity and the strong possibility of less long term disability.
However, despite the exciting phase III trial data reported today these drugs are still at clinical trial stage and are yet to go through the required Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) assessment and other approval processes for use in Australia.
We are looking forward to the results of these assessments by the regulatory authorities in Australia to determine when these drugs will be available to help people with MS in Australia.
People living with MS who require further information about this subject should contact the INFOLINE on 1800 177 591 or their treating neurologist.
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For all media enquiries please contact Prue Guillaume on 0437 139 078 or Kate McEvoy on 0424 649 148.
FROM MS AUSTRALIA
