FDA Approves Pill to Treat Causes of Multiple Sclerosis

Federal health regulators have approved the first pill to treat the underlying causes of multiple sclerosis, a debilitating nervous system disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the protective coatings of the brain and spinal cord.  All previous methods of treatment involve daily or regular injections, which doctors say discourages some patients from keeping up with their treatment.

Since starting on Gilenya more than two years ago, Seth Morgan of Chevy Chase, Md., says he has been free of disease relapses.  Morgan previously injected himself with a medication every other day.  “People say you get used to the side effects – the discomfort and burning around the injection site – but the fact of the matter is never did,” said Morgan, who worked as a neurologist before being diagnosed with the disease.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Swiss drug maker Novartis’ treatment Gilenya to reduce relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis, who experience loss of balance, muscle spasms and other movement problems.  Gilenya works to reduce a type of white blood cell that often attacks the nervous system.

There is no cure for the disease, but steroids can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms in the short term, and seven injectable treatments on the market have success in reducing recurrence of symptoms.  “Many people prefer to take a capsule, because they don’t like to stick needles into themselves,” said Dr. Nick LaRocca of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Wall Street analysts expect sales of Gilenya to top $1 billion.  Total U.S. sales of multiple sclerosis drugs exceeded $5.9 billion last year, according to health care data firm IMS Health.

The FDA approved another pill-based drug for multiple sclerosis patients earlier this year.  However, that drug from Acorda Therapeutics is designed to improve walking ability, rather than treat the underlying disease.