Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR)
today announced that AMPYRA™ (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets,
10 mg is now available by prescription in the United States and Puerto
Rico. AMPYRA was approved on January 22, 2010 by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) as a treatment to improve walking in patients with
multiple sclerosis (MS). This was demonstrated by an increase in walking
speed. AMPYRA is indicated for use in all types of MS, and can be used
either alone or with existing therapies, including disease-modifying
agents.
“The majority of people with MS experience a decline in their walking as
their disease progresses. The availability of AMPYRA therefore gives
people with MS and their physicians an important new therapeutic option.
AMPYRA is an oral therapy and the first and only treatment indicated to
improve walking in people with MS,” said Ron Cohen, M.D., President and
CEO of Acorda Therapeutics. “I am proud of the Acorda team, whose
commitment and enormous efforts have allowed us to give patients access
to AMPYRA just five weeks following FDA approval. We are committed to
making AMPYRA broadly available to people with MS who may benefit from
therapy, and to that end, have implemented patient assistance and co-pay
programs.”
The AMPYRA patient assistance program is being managed by a third party
organization with extensive experience in coordinating patient benefits.
People with MS who meet certain income requirements may receive AMPYRA
at no cost. People with MS participating in Medicare Part D may be
eligible for financial assistance.