FDA approves first new drug for spasticity in 20 years.The first new treatment for muscle spasticity spasticity /spas·tic·i·ty/ (spas-tis´i-te) the state of being spastic; see spastic (2). spas·tic·i·ty n. 1. A spastic state or condition. 2. Spastic paralysis. in over twenty years TWENTY YEARS. The lapse of twenty years raises a presumption of certain facts, and after such a time, the party against whom the presumption has been raised, will be required to prove a negative to establish his rights. 2. reached U.S. pharmacies this spring, following approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December. Zanaflex (tizanidine hydrochloride) is an oral drug which reduces MS-related spasticity without reducing muscle strength. This provides people with MS (and their doctors) with an additional option for managing this common and often difficult MS symptom. Spasticity occurs when there is an increase in involuntary muscle tone. It causes symptoms ranging from mildly unpleasant stiffness to rigidity, immobility, and pain. Serious uncontrolled spasticity can cause contractures Contractures Definition Contractures are the chronic loss of joint motion due to structural changes in non-bony tissue. These non-bony tissues include muscles, ligaments, and tendons. (frozen joints) and, eventually, permanent deformities. Treatments include stretching exercises, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and drugs, especially Lioresal (baclofen) and Valium (diazepam diazepam /di·az·e·pam/ (di-az´e-pam) a benzodiazepine used as an antianxiety agent, sedative, antipanic agent, antitremor agent, skeletal muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant, and in the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. ). Zanaflex, the new drug, is marketed by Athena Neurosciences, a subsidiary of the Elan Corporation. |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion