Multiple Sclerosis Drug, Techfidera, from Biogen Has Been Approved by FDA

FDA has given its green signal for the new drug, Techfidera from Biogen, to treat multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder causing difficulty in walking, vision and thinking, and has affected more than two million people worldwide.

Dimethyl fumarate is the chemical name of the drug and it is the compound previously used in Europe to protect shoes and sofas from moulds. But following reports of skin allergy the chemical was banned in Europe.

The drug had produced remarkable results in clinical trials and had cut down the relapse rate by nearly 49%. Moreover, the side effects if the drug seemed to be minimal when compared to other treatment options currently available. Side effects include flushing, diarrhea and nausea.

FDA has recommended testing white blood cell count once in every year after commencing the treatment.

This promising drug, which is available in a convenient pill form, is expected to hit the market very soon. The approval has hiked the share value of Biogen Idec Inc by 3.2%.

Source: Medindia