Clinical Trials
I recently had an email conversation about clinical trials with someone who visits this site. The recent results from the FTY720 drug from Novartis prompted this discussion. This is an oral medication with very encouraging results. It's currently in Phase III clinical trials.
I very much appreciate all those who participate in the clinical trials for drugs like this. It is people like them who helped bring the current drugs on the market. It's one thing to sign up for these trials when there are no alternatives; but, with MS there are other therapies available so a decision to participate in a trial is also a decision to not use one of the proven drugs available today. There's also the risk of being part of the placebo group, where no drug is received. This is a valuable part of the scientific process, but also means that a lot of the participants are receiving no therapy at all.
I admire those who are willing to make this sacrifice. By participating in these trials, they are potentially helping thousands. I honestly must say I'm not generous enough to give up a proven medication in order to test another one. Good thing not everyone is like I am.