A new type of pill for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) has led to a 40 percent reduction in lesions and inflammation. The experts are hoping that the oral medication, which goes by the name laquinimod, could potentially be a significant advance, as current drugs are all injectable.

The study, published in the Lancet, was carried out by a team from Milan's University Vita-Salute on a total of 306 MS patients aged 18 to 50. Out of this, 102 patients were randomly being assigned the inactive placebo pill and 204 one of two doses of laquinimod. Brain scans and health checks were carried out four weeks before the trial started, and then every four weeks for nine months

Health officials report that a multiple sclerosis drug pulled from the market last year because of a rare but life-threatening side effect will return under a restricted distribution program.

The Food and Drug Administration says it will let Biogen Idec Inc. and Elan Corp. PLC continue selling Tysabri under a requirement that doctors, pharmacies and patients register with a program designed to ensure the safe use of the drug

The Food and Drug Administration has removed the clinical hold on Biogen-IDEC's studies of Tysabri (natalizumab) for patients with multiple sclerosis.

MS Patients who were previously treated with the drug under an investigational study can now resume treatment