FDA Endorses Multiple Sclerosis Treatment, Extavia

Novartis has recently announced the U.S. FDA approval of their multiple sclerosis treatment drug: Extavia (Interferon beta 1-b).  The FDA approved the drug for patients that suffer from a relapse of the auto immune disease, or for those patients whom are newly diagnosed with MS.

Novartis states that multiple sclerosis effects roughly 400,000 Americans, and of those people nearly 80 percent have the relapsing-remitting class. MS patients’ own bodies attack the protective tissue that surround nerve fibers.  These nerves are responsible for transmitting electric signals to the brain.  As a result people display such symptoms as the inability to control their muscles, effected vision, balance, sensation and mental functions.

Norvartis claims that Interferon 1-b has been used at treatment for MS for over 16 years, and should be used with caution on people with depression.  Adverse reactions among Extavia patients include reactions at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache and pain.