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This interventional study provides class 1 evidence that dalfampridine extended-release tablets produce clinically meaningful improvement in walking ability in a subset of people with MS, with the effect maintained between doses.

Objectives: To provide clinicians who treat multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with evidence-based or expert opinion–based recommendations for promoting exercise and lifestyle physical activity across disability levels. Methods: The National MS Society (“Society”) convened clinical and research experts in the fields of MS, exercise, rehabilitation, and physical activity to (1) reach consensus on optimal exercise and lifestyle physical activity recommendations for individuals with MS at disability levels 0–9.0 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and (2) identify and address barriers/facilitators for participation. Recommendations: Based on current evidence and expert opinion, the Society makes the following recommendations, endorsed by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers: Healthcare providers should endorse and promote the benefits/safety of exercise and lifestyle physical activity for every person with MS. Early evaluation by a physical or occupational therapist or exercise or sport scientist, experienced in MS (hereafter referred to as “specialists”), is recommended to establish an individualized exercise and/or lifestyle physical activity plan. Taking into account comorbidities and symptom fluctuations, healthcare providers should encourage ⩾150 min/week of exercise and/or ⩾150 min/week of lifestyle physical activity. Progress toward these targets should be gradual, based on the person’s abilities, preferences, and safety. If disability increases and exercise/physical activity becomes more challenging, referrals to specialists are essential to ensure safe and appropriate prescriptions. When physical mobility is very limited, exercise should be facilitated by a trained assistant.

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Background:In Phase 3 double-blind trials (MS-F203 and MS-F204), dalfampridine extended release tablets 10 mg twice daily (dalfampridine-ER; prolonged-release fampridine in Europe; fampridine modified or sustained release elsewhere) improved walking speed relative to placebo in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).Objectives:Evaluation of long-term safety and efficacy of dalfampridine-ER in open-label extensions (MS-F203EXT, MS-F204EXT).Methods:Patients received dalfampridine-ER 10 mg twice daily; and had Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) assessments at 2, 14 and 26 weeks, and then every 6 months. Subjects were categorized as dalfampridine-ER responders or non-responders, based on their treatment response in the double-blind parent trials that assessed T25FW.Results:We had 269 patients enter MS-F203EXT and 154 patients complete it; for a maximum exposure of 5 years. We had 214 patients enter MS-F204EXT and 146 complete it; for a maximum exposure of 3.3 years. No new safety signals emerged and dalfampridine-ER tolerability was consistent with the double-blind phase. Improvements in walking speed were lost after dalfampridine-ER was discontinued in the parent trial, but returned by the 2-week assessment after re-initiation of the drug. Throughout the extensions, mean improvement in walking speed declined, but remained improved, among the double-blind responders as compared with non-responders.Conclusions:The dalfamipridine-ER safety profile was consistent with the parent trials. Although walking speed decreased over time, dalfampridine-ER responders continued to show improved walking speed, which was sustained compared with non-responders.

Background:Two phase 3 clinical trials demonstrated that dalfampridine extended-release 10-mg tablets (D-ER), twice daily, significantly improved walking relative to placebo in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of D-ER in patients with MS using pooled data from the two phase 3 trials.

Diarrhea, ARI, and NBI are important health concerns among deployed military personnel. Public health and preventive measures are needed to mitigate this burden.

Intangible costs substantially add to the economic burden of MS. There is not only a need to further characterize these costs and incorporate them into economic studies, but also to determine how these costs can be reduced through appropriate management strategies.