The FDA on Friday approved a drug named Ampyra; its generic name is dalfampridine, to improve walking speed of people with multiple sclerosis. It is first of its kind to receive FDA approval. 

Levy who was unable to walk and was frustrated after taking every possible treatment for MS had become frustrated. It was then that Levy’s neurologist discussed the possibility of trying 4-aminopyradine, a version of the drug that the FDA approved on Friday. She took the drug for three days and was able to walk without any help.

Dr John Richert, executive vice president of Research & Clinical Programs at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said, "It's likely that further study and clinical practice may help to determine the extent to which the drug may impact other functions, and may also provide hints as to which patients are most likely to respond positively to the therapy."

FDA while announcing Ampyra’s approval also warned that Ampyra higher doses could cause seizures. It was necessary to take recommended doses only.