MS Research Roundup: July 11, 2014

MS Research Roundup collects items of interest to multiple sclerosis researchers from around the Web. Send us your tips: tips@msdiscovery.org.

Acorda Challenges Actavis on Generic Version of Ampyra

In a press release on Wednesday, July 9, Actavis plc confirmed that it filed for an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to the FDA to approve dalfampridine extended-release tablets. If approved, the drug will be marketed as a generic alternative to Ampyra, a pharmaceutical developed by Acorda Therapeutics Inc. that aids and improves walking ability in MS patients. The press release from Actavis also mentioned that on July 7, Acorda filed suit against Actavis, “seeking to prevent Actavis from commercializing its ANDA product prior to the expiration of certain U.S. patents.” Under the Hatch-Waxman act, the FDA will wait to approve dalfampridine until July 22, 2017, or until the suit is resolved in court. (Wall Street Journal)

An Expedition to Machu Picchu Has Positive Effects on MS Patients

Goal-oriented physical exercise has positive outcomes for MS patients, according to new research from Belgium. For a study published in Multiple Sclerosis International, researchers trained nine participants in proper fitness. The study culminated in a trip to Machu Picchu in Peru, which is 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level. Overall, the exercise seemed to help alleviate fatigue and the participants’ perception of disease consequences. In light of the study, the MS Research Blog wrote, “MS does not mean giving up on your dreams, but you may have to think differently about how to achieve them.” (Multiple Sclerosis International, MS Research Blog)

Study Suggests That Natalizumab Interruption May Increase Risk of Disease Activity

A study released in JAMA Neurology followed 124 patients with RRMS after a 24-dose course of natalizumab. At the end of the 24 doses, 43 participants chose to continue to receive natalizumab, while the remaining 81 chose to cease treatment and to continue with an alternative therapy or no therapy at all. Patients who continued with natalizumab had significantly lower MS activity than patients who ceased treatment. The authors suggest that RRMS patients prescribed natalizumab should continue with treatment, unless the risk for developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is higher than the expected benefits of the drug. (JAMA Neurology)

New Exercise Video Program May Be Helpful for MS Patients

Freedom2move is a new fitness program that promises to help people at all levels of mobility. The program was developed by a Doctor of Physical Therapy and will provide video fitness training coupled with anatomical images of the targeted muscle groups for each exercise. The videos promise to be motivational and customizable. The company is currently raising money on Kickstarter. (Freedom2move, Kickstarter)

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