This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hi Cure,

The difference they're looking at between a pill and once a month infusion is, the shorter half life of the pill. If a patient develops PML-like symptoms, they can stop the pills and the medicine will clear their system within a day or maybe a few days at most.

With Tysabri, if the same thing happens, there is at least a month for the medicine to be out of the system. He described it as a very effective medicine, but sort of like driving a racecar without brakes. I think he was being a bit overly dramatic with that. I still might go with the Tysabri... if this trial doesn't work out.

My neuro spoke about FTY720, and he said the tests and such they are doing for the trial are numerous, and that may be why they're taking a long time getting patients to participate.

He isn't doing that trial for that reason, he has a smaller office and it would be too involved for their staff. He is doing another pill trial in the summer, I can't remember the name but it's a phase III trial.

_________________
Take care, Ewizabeth Previously Avonex, Rebif & Copaxone RRMS ~Tysabri, 31 infusions, ended 9/09. Starting Copaxone 12/09, waiting for Cladribine to be approved in 2010.