Nancy Frates Says New ALS Treatment Offers Hope

BOSTON (CBS) – A powerful wave of hope moving through the ALS community – the FDA has approved a drug for the first time in more than two decades that slows the symptoms of the devastating disease. Radicava has shown promising signs in Japan – slowing the progression of ALS by 33%. Trials were done on patients in the earliest stages, but anyone living with the disease can take it — including an optimistic Pete Frates. His mother Nancy told WBZ this new medicine totally changes the dynamic of the diagnosis: “The doctor told us five years ago when Pete was diagnosed, ‘There’s no effective treatment, there’s no cure.’ She looked at me and said, ‘There’s nothing we can do.’” The existing FDA-approved medicine, Rilutek, extends life by just weeks. Radicava could potentially mean more time – birthdays, graduations, weddings, more life. Pete Frates (WBZ-TV) “It’s hope! How about that you’ll be around for the next drug? When you put it in context like that – this is going to extend my life. When the next drug comes along I’ll be able to take that too,” Frates said. It means more time between the painful milestones the disease presents to patients and the people who love them. Nancy Frates (WBZ-TV) “We would grieve every morning. My husband and I would wake up and say, ‘What is it going to take away from us today? The day he couldn’t hold a pen anymore? When he couldn’t text? On...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Syndicated Local ALS ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Juli McDonald nancy frates Pete Frates Radicava Source Type: news