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Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) gel is an effective treatment for multiple sclerosis exacerbations in patients failing methylprednisolone therapy, a researcher said here.

A retrospective, single-center review indicated that, of 18 patients with acute MS flares treated with ACTH gel (Acthar) who had failed treatment with methylprednisolone, 17 had responses rated by the treating physician as good or better, according to Maura Fernandez, MD, of the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles.

The results confirm that ACTH gel is a viable alternative for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who cannot tolerate or otherwise fail standard corticosteroid therapy, she said at a poster presentation at the joint meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis.... Read More - http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm/fuseact ... pageid/708

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ACTH and intravenous methylprednisolone are the two FDA-approved treatments for MS exacerbations in patients with relapsing forms of the disease. In part because of cost and easy accessibility, methylprednisolone has become the most common treatment for MS flares.

A 5-day course of IV methylprednisolone at 1 g/day costs a few hundred dollars. A 5-mL vial of the ACTH gel, on the other hand, sells for about $30,000. However, its manufacturer has instituted an access program to provide the drug at reduced cost to patients who can't afford it. Fernandez said that health insurers generally do not cover ACTH for this indication.
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The study was funded by Questcor.
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And now I know why I haven't heard of it before.