Lundbeck and Teva announce Azilect results

Lundbeck and its partner Teva Pharmaceutical Industries have announced the results of the phase III Adagio study of Azilect (rasagiline) in Parkinson’s disease patients.

The data was presented at the congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies in Madrid.

According to the trial results, patient taking the tablet upon entering the trial showed a significant improvement compared to those who started treatment nine months later, with the 1mg dose of the drug meeting all three primary endpoints and its secondary endpoint.

The primary endpoints were based on Total-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale scores.

Professor Olivier Rascol of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology at University Hospital in Toulouse, said: The rigorous trial design and the fact that all three primary endpoints were met with statistical significance reinforce the quality of the data, supporting the potential for Azilect to have an effect on disease progression.”

He added the positive trial results offer additional reasons for the early use of the drug in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

In June 2008, Teva expressed confidence Azilect would become the first treatment recognised as being capable of modifying Parkinson’s disease.

The company said the development of the compound highlights the strength of its research and development capabilities.