Safety and Efficacy Study of Oral Fampridine-SR in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2003-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the body's immune system that affects the Central
Nervous System (CNS). Normally, nerve fibers carry electrical impulses through the spinal
cord, providing communication between the brain and the arms and legs. In people with MS, the
fatty sheath that surrounds and insulates the nerve fibers (called "myelin") deteriorates,
causing nerve impulses to be slowed or stopped. As a result patients with MS may experience
periods of muscle weakness and other symptoms such as numbness, loss of vision, loss of
coordination, paralysis, spasticity, mental and physical fatigue and a decrease in the
ability to think and/or remember. These periods of illness may come (exacerbations) and go
(remissions). Fampridine-SR (Sustained Release, SR) is an experimental drug that increases
the ability of the nerve to conduct electrical impulses. This study will evaluate the effects
of Fampridine-SR on the walking ability of subjects with MS, as well as to examine the
effects on muscle strength and spasticity. The study will also examine the possible risks of
taking Fampridine-SR.