New treatment for MS slows disease progression, reduces relapses

HOUSTON -

A groundbreaking new treatment for multiple sclerosis is now available in the United States and is being used to treat patients in Texas.

The drug Lemtrada was initially denied approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but the decision was reversed several months ago, after a big outcry from the MS patient community.

Lisa Capps was excited to try the new treatment. She'll spend the week hooked up to an intravenous treatment of Lemtrada for about seven hours a day for five days.

However, she believes the time spent will be worth it. Other treatments for MS haven't worked for her and said she believes the new treatment could give her a fighting chance.

"This was the newest thing out there and what they call the closest to a cure that we can get to MS right now," said Capps.

Capps was first diagnosed about a year ago, shortly after her daughter was born.

"I have to walk with a cane now and I also have cognitive problems, so I have difficulty thinking, focusing, holding attention," she said.

As the disease progresses, it could lead to vision loss, complete inability to walk, urinary and bowel disfunction, the inability to sense arms and legs, dizziness, loss of balance, and other disabilities.

Treatment with Lemtrada is expected to slow progression of the disease and reduce relapses.

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New treatment for MS slows disease progression, reduces relapses