Live data from Hacker News

FDA Approves Radicava, First New ALS1 Therapy in 22 Years

alsnewstoday.com

1–10 of 32 posts

Re: FDA Approves Radicava, First New ALS1 Therapy in 22 Years

#3
I realize this doesn't add anything to the conversation, but as someone whose mom passed away from ALS, I welcome anything that can remotely improve this terrible disease. Watching her go from walking to barely able to lift a glass in six months was devastating and I'd have given much for 33% more able-bodied time with her.

Re: FDA Approves Radicava, First New ALS1 Therapy in 22 Years

#5
post #2

How does this works over there in US? Government or private insurance covers it?

Wikipedia suggests it's very expensive, but the molecule looks simple enough. I imagine there would be a prominent gray-market of nootraceuticals in no time.

Re: FDA Approves Radicava, First New ALS1 Therapy in 22 Years

#6
post #4
post #2

How does this works over there in US? Government or private insurance covers it?

Private insurance, unless you're on Medicare.

Medicaid may cover it and the company is providing it at no charge to people that are uninsured and meet some other requirements (http://web.alsa.org/site/PageNavigator/alsa_radicava_faq.htm... )

Re: FDA Approves Radicava, First New ALS1 Therapy in 22 Years

#8
> Results from the six-month Japanese clinical trial — in which 137 patients were randomized to receive either Radicava or placebo

Giving placebo to ALS patients? How is that allowed ? They should be able to tell already what is the course of a typical ALS patient without using such methods. For cancer drugs there are no placebo used since there is extensive survival data available to prove whether or not a drug actually makes any difference.

Re: FDA Approves Radicava, First New ALS1 Therapy in 22 Years

#9
post #8

> Results from the six-month Japanese clinical trial — in which 137 patients were randomized to receive either Radicava or placebo Giving placebo to ALS patients? How is that allowed ? They should be able to tell already what is the course of a typical ALS patient without using such methods. For cancer drugs there are no placebo used since there is extensive survival data available to prove whether or not a drug actu…

You have to get rid of placebo effect. It can be pretty strong in an (supposedly) advanced drug tests.

>For cancer drugs there are no placebo used since there is extensive survival data available to prove whether or not a drug actually makes any difference.

Source, please?

Re: FDA Approves Radicava, First New ALS1 Therapy in 22 Years

#10
post #3

I realize this doesn't add anything to the conversation, but as someone whose mom passed away from ALS, I welcome anything that can remotely improve this terrible disease. Watching her go from walking to barely able to lift a glass in six months was devastating and I'd have given much for 33% more able-bodied time with her.

I feel for you. Just two days ago I learned that an old friend of mine, one whom I haven't seen in many years, has been suffering from ALS recently. I hope to see her soon.
Post reply on HN