Condition A is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. It first affects the spinal cord and in its later stages infiltrates the brain, resulting in progressive spasticity and later in...

Condition A is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. It first affects the spinal cord and in its later stages infiltrates the brain, resulting in progressive spasticity and later in multiple movement and thought disorders. It occurs primarily in white, middle-class men 40 to 55 years of age and leads to certain death within 15 to 20 years. The cause and course of the disease is well understood. It is an autoimmune condition. Recently, a medication has been discovered that can help to slow the progress of Condition A dramatically. Currently, however, the cost of the medication needed for treatment is estimated to be about $10,000 per year for each patient. About 7500 people in the United States have been diagnosed with the disease, and the incidence rate seems to be increasing. It is believed that many more cases will surface if the medication becomes available for any who need it.