There are many Multiple Sclerosis trials currently active. These MS trials are used to create new medicines that can be used to manage Multiple Sclerosis. In fact, there is a need for new and better MS drugs all the time. There are many MS drugs in the development list that have at least one up and coming medicine with a lot of potential. There is an oral drug called laquinimod which is currently being studied and showing very promising positive results.
The medications that are used to treat MS and its various stages are many in number. Some target relapses specifically while other drugs are used to change the course of the disease. A large number of these medicines are used on certain patients to help them manage the symptoms experienced daily.
Research on laquinimod has shown that it reduces the percentage rate of relapses and also reduces the amount of the brain atrophy that is caused by this illness and by extension, reduces the rate of MS progression. The benefits to multiple sclerosis patients are great especially in helping them lead a normal life. Laquinimod is showing great potential when it comes to managing this autoimmune disease. Along with this, there are very few side effects reported. However, FDA approval needs to happen before this drug can hit the market.
A Recent Product of Necessary Research
One of the newest MS drugs in 2010 that was introduced was fingolimod. This oral medication was the very first one introduced in such a manner that helps the progression of disease to be slowed. Before fingolimod, all medications for multiple sclerosis had to be taken by an injection. The option of an oral medication that can provide same or better relief of symptoms has been a huge plus.
In fact, Fingolimod was approved by the FDA in 2010 and has since then brought a lot of relief to many different MS patients. The symptoms such as muscle spasms, loss of balance and problems with movement all improve under fingolimod. This oral medication has also been proven to lower the number of relapses. The major side effect of this medication was a drop in pulse rate, which has been shown to be potentially dangerous to some people.
The number one thing to remember about fingolimod is that the initial dose should always be administered by a doctor in order for the doctor to be able to check on the patient’s pulse rate. Another uncommon side effect is macular edema which can be located through regular eye exams. Additional side effects with this medication are headache, fatigue, and sometimes a head cold. Keeping an eye on all the current Multiple Sclerosis trials is very important. These MS trials on potentially helpful drugs can bring new ways of treating or even one day eliminating the symptoms of this disease altogether.
