New drug to treat ALS being tested in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug to treat ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig ’s disease.

Channel 11 was there as Rene Fogarty, of Turtle Creek, took a leap of faith at Allegheny General Hospital on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

“It’s buying time,” Fogarty said. “It's not a cure. This is not a cure, but it is more time, and hopefully during that period of time there will be another drug that works even better.”

TRENDING NOW:

• 1-year-old found walking alone in diaper in McKeesport
• Police searching for missing endangered woman
• Prank call sparks SWAT situations in Aliquippa, Monaca
• VIDEO: Body pulled from river in Pittsburgh

Fogarty is one of the first patients in the country to receive a brand new medication.

The infusion therapy was developed in Japan and has proved to be very effective for patients. More than that, it’s offering new hope to people suffering from the debilitating condition.

"I guess among all the patients, I was the best fit to receive it,” Fogarty said.

The FDA approved the drug, called Radicava, in May, making the first new medication available in 22 years to treat ALS.

“This drug has been shown that it can slow down that progress to the point so they can enjoy longer survival and better quality of life,” said Dr. Sandeep Rana, a neurologist at Allegheny General Hospital.

The new treatment costs more than $100,000.

Insurance companies are still deciding whether they will cover the drug.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 12,000 to 15,000 Americans have ALS.

Cox Media Group