The First Pill for Multiple Sclerosis

Great news for MS sufferers after the first ever pill for multiple sclerosis is expected to be launched in the next few months according to the Daily Mail today. Its called 'Gilenya' (and also known as fingolimod) and has been developed for relapsing-remitting MS. It has already been approved in the US and is just awaiting licence approval in Britain. The other drug for MS had to be given in injection form three times a week so this pill will be a blessing in disguise for many MS sufferers. Trials have shown that the new pill halves the number of relapses by blocking the actions of white blood cells which play a big part in the destruction of myelin, the protective coating around the nerves, this damage causes the symptoms of MS, including numbness, incontinence and difficulty moving. Head of medical research at the MS Society, Dr Doug Brown said that 'a licensed tablet would be a huge step forward'.