#plegridy

This week the FDA approved Biogen Idec's new medication, Plegridy, for the treatment of RRMS. I love when new meds come on the market because it means more choices, and hope that research is advancing. Even better, Plegridy comes with improved convenience for many MSers. Plegridy is another interferon medication, joining the ranks of Rebif, Avonex, Betaseron, and Extavia. Biogen Idec thinks Plegridy has the capability of becoming the most popular interferon on the market because it is injected only once every two weeks, and is given subcutaneously which means the needle is smaller then Avonex's. Prior to Plegridy being FDA approved, Avonex (also a Biogen product) was the interferon given the least often- only one injection per week. This was always a stark contrast to Copaxone which was only offered as a daily injection, or other interferons like Rebif which is given three times a week. Recently Copaxone's three times a week formulation was FDA approved, which had many users jumping for joy and my telephone ringing off the hook with people wanting to switch! Many MSers on injectables wouldn't be opposed to getting the same benefits from fewer injections, so is Plegridy really as effective? (read tips on giving injections here)

Another drug that we have to wait for because the FDA is not ready to approve it. This time its Plegidy (peginterferon beta-1a) a interferon med that only needs to be taken once every two week.

(Reuters) - Biogen Idec Inc said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration extended the review process for the company's multiple sclerosis drug by three months to evaluate the application.