Novartis drug ‘aims to be first orally effective MS treatment’

An investigational oral therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS), FYT720, has demonstrated “sustained benefits” for patients over the course of two years, according to manufacturer Novartis.

The Swiss company has released new data from phase II trials showing that up to 77 per cent of patients receiving FYT720 “remained free” of relapses, while maintaining a low level of inflammatory disease.

Additionally, new pre-clinical data has suggested that the drug, which Novartis claims could be the first orally effective MS treatment, has shown signs that it has “multiple modes of action”.

In particular, the research suggested that as well as offering an anti-inflammatory effect, FYT720 may be able to slow down the process of neurodegeneration and “enhance repair” of the central nervous system.

Professor Ludwig Kappos, chief trial investigator from the University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, said the drug could “contribute significantly to improving the quality of life of patients with relapsing MS”.

“The data show that FYT720 may offer important clinical benefits. In addition, it is given conveniently in the form of a once-daily pill,” he added.

Novartis has developed FYT720 after Mitsubishi Pharma licensed out the product in 1997. It has also been researched for use in kidney transplant patients as an anti-rejection drug.

Mitsubishi says the development of the drug “looks set to give birth to a major new pharmaceutical product”.