Boston (SmartAboutHealth) - A U.S. regulatory advisory panel has given support to a new drug from Novartis AG that aims to treat multiple sclerosis.

The new drug from Novartis is known as Gilenia and will be the first ever pill to actually treat the terrible disease MS.

The advisory panel, which reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a general recommendation in regards to whether or not the drug should be approved.

They have shown support for the drug after the advisory panel voted 21-3 in favor of the drug on Friday in regards to whether or not it should be approved.

The drug also received a unanimous vote of approval inr egards to safety and how effective it was.

Novartis has been working on this drug for quite some time as it will be used as a first-line initial treatment against MS>

There are over 2 million people around the world who suffer from this disease.

Novartis released a statement showing support for their drug, as they believe it will slow the progression of the disease and help treat it.

The FDA typically follows the recommendations it receives from its advisory panels.