NEW TREATMENT FOR GEHRIG'S DISEASE

For the first time, the FDA has approved a drug to treat the deadly Lou Gehrig's Disease. "Although it isn't a cure, nor does it alleviate the symptoms, it does make a difference in the course of the disease by prolonging life for about three months," reports medical writer Christine Gorman. "And, though three months might not seem like a big deal, for people who have the disease and want to see someone's birthday, or celebrate an anniversary, it makes a huge difference." The drug, Riluzole, is produced by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and will be sold under the brand name Rilutek. Doctors don't know what causes Lou Gehrig's Disease, formally known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It affects about 30,000 Americans. Life expectancy after the onset of the disease is just three to five years. It was named after the famed New York Yankee first baseman who died from the disease in 1941.