Health Law

Drug Shows Promise for Treating Cerebral Palsy Symptom

Drooling is a common symptom of cerebral palsy, affecting as many as one third of those diagnosed with the condition. Though a seemingly benign symptom that tends to improve with age, drooling can cause skin irritation as well as social and self-esteem issues in young cerebral palsy patients.

Now it appears as though there may soon be a possible drug treatment for drooling in children ages 3 to 18 with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. A new drug known as glycopyrrolate, made by Sciele Pharma Inc., has shown promise in a recent clinical trial.

Patients who received the drug during a 24-week trial drooled significantly less than those who received a placebo. The reduced drooling, which was measured by parents and caregivers according to an accepted scale, was seen as early as eight weeks after the drug treatment began.

The drug is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Sciele is expected to submit a completed New Drug Application to the agency by the end of the year.  

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on September 18, 2008 (boomark / email).