In <4c474h$57d at mars.efn.org> carlao at efn.org (Carla Orcutt) writes:
>Hello:
>I have been asked by a friend in Germany to find information on a new
>developmental treatment for multiple sclerosis (encephalomyelitis
>disseminata) . The new treamtent is based on beta interferon derived
>from Chinese Hamster Ovaries (CHO). Supposedly, the drug is made and
>tested by a joint venture company, one partner is based in Rehovot,
>Israel. The other partner is based in New York. From my search I found
>that the Weizmann Instiute is located in Rehovot and that Yeda
>Research and Development Company is associated with the Institute. The
>drug is called 'Rebil' in the German article my friend sent to me.
>Apparently, Rebil is used very successfully in treating the symptoms
>of MS.
>My friend wishes to know about the availability of the drug and its
>cost. My friend is a physician in Germany currently treating two
>patients with MS with betaseron made by Bernex in California.
>thank you for any help you may give me.
>Carla Orcutt Ph.D. (Sociology)
>5020 Talisman St.
>Eugene, OR 97405
>carlao at efn.org
Hi
The name of the drug is Rebif, company Serono. It is beta interferon-1a,
like Biogen's Avonex. FDA panel recommends to approve Avonex for MS,
slowing the disease. The price of Rebif is about $13000/year (they say the price
will drop this spring) given 6 MIU/once a week.
--
Aapo Halko <aapo.halko at helsinki.fi> * |_
http://www.helsinki.fi/~ahalko/ms.html * ___ O o
A www page that collects MS links on the Internet.*
