“I think everyone’s excited about a new drug for ALS because it’s such a devastating disease,” said Erica Austin, D.O. and general neurology for Northern Michigan Neurology, Munson Medical Center.
The FDA has just approved a new drug to treat ALS the first new medication for the devastating disease in 22 years.
ALS is a neuro degenerative disease that involves the nerves that go from the brain to the spinal cord and out to the muscles.
Right now, there is only one medication for people with ALS, which typically extends life by two to three months.
New at 11, 9&10’s Whitney Amann talks to a local doctor who is excited about the new hope this drug will bring.
“ALS is a devastating disease because of how quickly people progress through the disease,” said Austin.
A new drug for ALS brings hope for those with the devastating disease.
“This drug looks like it will expand productive life, so expand life before there’s severe disability which is an important thing,” said Austin. “You want to be able to live your life and get out in your community and enjoy your family and so it’s very exciting news.”
The FDA approved Radicava, the first new medication for ALS in 22 years and only the second one for the rare disease that 15 people a day in the United States are diagnosed with.
“ALS is a progressive motor neuron disease that involves the nerves that go from the brain to the spinal cord and out to the muscles it involves their dying off and then as those die off the coordination and initiation of movement becomes impaired,” said Austin.
After diagnosis, the average life expectancy is two to five years.
The current medication typically expands life by about two to three months.
The new drug claims to slow ALS progression by 33 percent.
“If you look at the devastating effect ALS has on families and on communities I think any hope we can give patients and their families is a fantastic medical advantage,” said Austin.
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