Teva publishes positive trial data for new MS drug

Teva has published positive data from a clinical trial of laquinimod, its new therapy option for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

In association with partner Active Biotech, the firm has completed a two-year phase III clinical study called Allegro, which compared the efficacy of the once-daily investigational immunomodulator to placebo.

Results from the trial showed that laquinimod was associated with a 23 percent reduction in annualised relapse rates and a 36 percent fall in the risk of confirmed disability progression, as well as helping to reduce brain tissue loss.

Once data from the ongoing Bravo study is published in the third quarter of 2011, the company plans to apply for European regulatory approval of the drug.

Professor Yitzhak Peterburg, Teva's group vice-president for global branded products, said: "Given the efficacy, safety and tolerability data to date, laquinimod may present a very promising treatment option to the MS community."

Earlier this month, the firm became the first supplier in the UK to launch a generic version of Motens, the hypertension treatment developed by Boehringer Ingelheim.