ST. LOUIS (AP) - Researchers at Saint Louis University are part of a study looking at an oral drug aimed at helping people with multiple sclerosis.
MS affects around 400,000 people in the U.S., including about 10,000 diagnosed each year. The body's immune system attacks the protective coating surrounding the nerves within the central nervous system, along with the nerve fibers themselves. Symptoms generally include fatigue, pain, muscle weakness, and impaired mobility, balance, cognition and vision.
Most multiple sclerosis treatments are injected. Saint Louis University research Florian Thomas says a tablet may make it easier for patients to avoid missing doses.
The university is seeking study participants between the ages of 18 and 56. Some will get the investigational drug, others a placebo.