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Novartis's FTY720 cuts multiple sclerosis attacks

ZURICH, April 15 (Reuters) - Novartis AG's (NOVN.VX: Quote, Profile, Research) once-daily FTY720 pill reduced the number of attacks suffered by patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) after three years, according to data presented on Tuesday.

Nearly three-quarter of patients taking a 5 milligram dose of FTY720, and 68 percent on a 1.25 mg dose, remained free of attacks after three years, Novartis said in a statement.

"All of the current treatments for MS must be injected, so having a pill you can swallow with a glass of water would be a welcome improvement for many people," study author Giancarlo Comi said in a statement.

Novartis plans to file FTY720, currently in late-stage trials, for approval in the United States and Europe before the end of 2009.

More than 2.5 million people are affected by MS, which causes the body's immune system to attack the central nervous system, causing problems with muscle control and strength, vision, balance, sensation and mental functions.

The FTY720 data, from an ongoing extension to a mid-stage clinical trial, were presented at an American Academy of Neurology meeting in Chicago. (Reporting by Sam Cage)

A bit more info on the results...ugh...skin cancer issues...

http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCove ... ng/tb/9138

Strange (and lousy) news about the skin cancer issues, Dignan.
No fingolimod in our future.
Was interested in reading that tysabri had similar issues with melanoma.
My husband developed several basal cells spots the same month he had his first MS flare and was diagnosed. They just suddenly started growing on his face and chest, before he began Copaxone. He now sees the derm doc every three months.
Looking to connect the dots (or moles) between epidermal malignancies, immune system disregulation, sunshine and MS. Lots there to ponder.
AC

_________________
Husband dx RRMS 3/07
dx dual jugular vein stenosis (CCSVI) 4/09
dual stents placed 5/09
CCSVI in MS

Quite interesting Cheerleader, my wife has brown spots in her face some years now and before first diagnosed with MS.
As you already know she follows a restricted diet with many supps but also takes LDN which except MS helps in every cancer case and up-regulates/boosts immune system contrary to conventional MS therapies.
This year she has had less spots in her face, I don't know if this is related with her improvement or has nothing to do with MS...who knows!