New open-label extension numbers of dalfampridine extended release suggest the drug continues to improve walking speed in some patients with no new safety signals.
Presenting at the American Academy of Neurology 62nd Annual Meeting, Andrew Goodman, MD, from the University of Rochester, New York, reported improvements in some people for up to 2.5 years.
"Walking is such an important issue for patients with multiple sclerosis," he said. "Patients who have difficulty getting around have more trouble functioning and may not be able to work."
Dr. Burks points out current therapies are designed to halt disease progression but do not reverse symptoms. "With this, we have an improvement in walking speed, which is something we've never seen before.
The new potassium channel blocker was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in January. It is marketed by Acorda Therapeutics under the brand name Ampyra. Biogen Idec is overseeing the product outside the United States.
Studies have shown that patients treated with dalfampridine, 10 mg twice daily, improve on timed 25-ft walks. It is the first drug with an indication to improve walking speed in multiple sclerosis.
"This is very important," Jack Burks, MD, chief medical officer of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, said during an interview. Asked byMedscape Neurology to comment, Dr. Burks says the new extension data show the benefit of the drug is maintained long term in those who respond to treatment.
"Walking is such an important issue for patients with multiple sclerosis," he said. "Patients who have difficulty getting around have more trouble functioning and may not be able to work."
Dr. Burks points out current therapies are designed to halt disease progression but do not reverse symptoms. "With this, we have an improvement in walking speed, which is something we've never seen before."
