Third Drug Approved To Treat Ms

A drug manufactured in Israel has become the third drug in three years approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, a crippling disease that often strikes young adults.

The Food and Drug Administration said Monday it has approved the sale of an injectable drug called glatiramer acetate, or copolymer-1, for the treatment of relapsing, remitting multiple sclerosis.

The drug is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. in Israel. It will be marketed in this country under the brand name Copaxone by Teva Marion Partners of Kansas City, a partnership firm established by Teva and Hoechst Marion Roussel Inc.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the body attacks itself. It is most often diagnosed in patients who are in their 20s or 30s and about 300,000 Americans have the disease.