Some big news this week out of the FDA this week! On Wednesday,
the Food and Drug Administration approved a Sanofi pill to treat multiple
sclerosis (RRMS). This makes it the second oral therapy player in the MS drug
market. Not too shabby.
The good news?
- Research from clinical trials says that the relapse rate for patients using Aubagio was about 30% lower compared to those taking a placebo (or, sugar pill).
- It’s cheaper. Sanofi states that the drug is estimated to cost about $45,000 a year, which is lower than Copaxone, Avonex, etc. Aubagio is guessed to be about 22-28% less expensive than Gilenya.
- It’s a pill. Options are good for those living with MS.
The not-so-good-news?
- The drug may cause fetal harm and, as such, women must take birth control during treatment. And…
- …the boxed warning includes potential liver problems, including death, and risk of birth defects.
I for one am grateful for new MS drugs coming out on the market and that MSers have more options. Granted, it goes without saying, I would much rather it be that no one get diagnosed any further and that we just land on a cure.
What do you think about the news of Aubagio's launch? About MS therapy in general? I would love to hear from you.
P.S.
To read more about Aubagio, check out these articles:
- Press release from the FDA (read more here)
- Wall Street Journal (read more here)
Christie
I started taking Aubagio a little under a week ago and I have to say that I absolutely love it. Genzyme has this program called MS one2one or something like that, and with some budget assistance program, they pay for the first 3 months of medication and then it only costs me $35 a month. Only "side effect" I've had is that my stomach gets a little upset, but there is also a stomach bug going around, so it could be that too. Who knows.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your blog! <3
Hey Lauren. So glad to hear that you're loving the Aubagio. And sweet deal with the budget assistance program. Thanks for stopping by and nice to meet you! Best, Christie
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