New Oral MS Treatment on the Horizon

Researchers are currently testing two new drugs that may become the first oral MS treatments on the market. Last week, several news outlets reported on the published studies in New England Journal of Medicine. including MSNBC who shared the reactions this exciting news by individuals in North Carolina's MS community. University of North Carolina's leading MS neurologist and researcher, Dr. Silvia Markovic Plese warned “There is a price tag attached to the new medications."

Also quoted in the article was Chapel Hill resident, Ivana Vuletic. Like many people diagnosed with MS, she is excited to hear the news, “I would be greatly relieved if I didn’t have to prick myself or be pricked with needles." She, like others, would have to weigh the risks and benefits of the treatment with their physicians.

On January 20, 2010, The New England Journal of Medicine published a full report on Cladribine and Fingolimod. According to the studies, both drugs have been shown to reduce relapse symptoms by up to 50%.