FDA approves new, once-daily oral medication for MS patients

In autumn of 2009, Ali Salama was training for the ING New York City marathon and felt some numbness in her legs.

Originally, she attributed the problem to shin splints and took a break. But the pain wasnt going away, so she decided to see a neurologist.

At the age of 35, Salama was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease which has no cure and affects 2.5 million people around the world. The autoimmune disorder attacks the bodys nervous system and can lead to numbness, paralysis and loss of vision.

- Ali Salama, MS patient of learning about new oral pill

Salama said she was shocked.

You read about it. You obviously go on websites, (and) you see that people are in wheelchairs and how mobility becomes more difficult, Salama said. Theres vision issues, so all those things run through your mind.

Salama said she wondered about the treatment and became fearful when she learned many treatment options included something she always hated shots.

Dr. Aaron Miller, medical director of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in NYC and Salamas doctor, said he was primarily prescribing injectable medications for his patients.

These, of course, have been uncomfortable to say the least, and modestly effective, he added. Salama said she would always ask Miller if there was an oral medication she could take, but each time she asked, she would be disappointed by his answer.

Finally, her wish came true. A new, once-daily oral medication called Aubagio was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September 2012 for patients with relapsing forms of MS.

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FDA approves new, once-daily oral medication for MS patients