Fact 1: ALS affects approximately 20,000 people in the United States. The Company <CEPH> believes that there is a proportionate incidence of ALS in the populations of Europe and Japan. The first symptom of ALS is muscle weakness, which progresses to muscle atrophy and loss of muscle function. The disease usually progresses over a three- to five-year period, with death usually resulting from loss of
respiratory muscle control rendering the patient unable to breathe.
The only currently approved therapeutic for the treatment of ALS in the United States is Rilutek(R) (riluzole), which is being marketed by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc.
With respect to MYOTROPHIN (rhIGF-I), Rilutek (riluzole) has been approved and is being marketed by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer in the U.S. and certain countries in Europe for the treatment of ALS. In addition, the Company believes that other companies are developing therapeutic agents for the treatment of ALS and peripheral neuropathies. Because the potential patient population for ALS is limited, competition from other products may adversely affect potential sales of
MYOTROPHIN (rhIGF-I).
Taken from: CEPHALON FORM 10-K405 Filed March 13, 1997
sec.gov
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