As a sustained-release tablet, Ampyra increases the function of message and impulse transmittal through nerves, counteracting the effects of demyelination.

Ampyra began its development in earnest in the mid to late 1980’s. At that time the CSRO under the leadership of then president, Ray Wickson, who played a large role in the early funding of the drug therapy, in partnership with Purdue and McMaster University. In 2006, Acorda Therapeutics announced the success of Ampyra in Phase 3 clinical trials involving patients with MS.

As the current director of research for the CSRO, Wickson believes that though Ampyra hasn’t been approved for use in SCI consumers, the announcement still marks a landmark win for neurological research. “Two decades ago when we partnered with Acorda Therapeutics, they were the first company to operate under a mandate of developing treatments specific to SCI and other related neurological disorders.  Today, we are proud to say that our unyielding faith in finding a cure for paralysis led us to this advancement and other future innovations.  Ultimately, it is now a question of when we will find a cure.”

The drug’s approval arrives 20 years after McMaster University neurosurgeon and professor emeritus, Robert Hansebout began working with the drug. His initial work, conducted at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, focused on chronic patients with spinal cord injuries. During those early studies the drug was found to enhance sensory, motor and other reduced functions. 

“For over 30 years my research has been dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons with damage of the spinal cord. Ampyra, is the first product that comes to market which accomplishes this elusive goal,” says Dr. Hansebout.  “I am delighted that my contributions, and those of my colleagues, to the development of Ampyra will enhance the independence of a significant number of people worldwide who have sustained damage to the spinal cord, due to multiple sclerosis. Hopefully, with more studies, the benefit will extend to those with spinal cord injury in the future.”

Current CSRO Chairman, Barry Munro applauds grassroots communities across the country as the champions of this breakthrough. “This is a victory for supporters in areas across the country who have held bake sales, dances, golf tournaments and numerous other fundraisers in support of the CSRO.  Consumers have always been the driving force behind our organization.”

For more information about Ampyra, please visit www.acorda.com

About The CSRO

The CSRO (charitable registration # 11915 9515 RR0001) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for paralysis through targeted medical and scientific research.  The CSRO is also devoted to the improvement of the physical quality of life for persons with a spinal cord injury and those with related neurological deficits. The CSRO is also committed to the reduction of spinal cord injuries through awareness programs for the general public and prevention programs for targeted groups. www.csro.com

About MS

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, usually progressive disease in which the immune system attacks and degrades the function of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Canadians have one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world, and is the most common neurological disease affecting young adults in Canada. Research indicates 64%-85% of people with MS have difficulty walking, and 70% report walking to be the most challenging aspect of their MS. www.mssociety.ca 

About Acorda Therapeutics

Acorda Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing therapies for spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and related nervous system disorders. The Company's marketed products include Zanaflex Capsules® (tizanidine hydrochloride), a short-acting drug for the management of spasticity. The Company's pipeline includes a number of products in development for the treatment, regeneration and repair of the spinal cord and brain. www.acorda.com 

For media interviews, please contact:

Renée Weekes
Public Relations & Communications Manager, CSRO
(416) 894-7209
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