Novartis reports positive phase III RRMS drug data

Novartis has published positive new phase III clinical trial data showcasing the benefits of its drug Gilenya (fingolimod) in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Data from the study designated 2309 showed that patients treated using Gilenya were able to experience a 48 percent reduction in annualised relapse rates after 24 months compared to placebo, thus meeting the trial's primary endpoint.

Moreover, it was found that Novartis' drug was also able to achieve a reduction of brain volume loss compared to the control treatment, thus also meeting a predefined key secondary goal.

To date, this is the third phase III trial to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Gilenya in the treatment of RRMS.

David Epstein, head of the pharmaceuticals division at Novartis, said: "With more than 20,000 patient years of fingolimod exposure to date, Gilenya continues to demonstrate its value to patients and the MS community."

Last week, the company also published clinical data from a new study of the iron chelator therapy Exjade, showing its efficacy in the treatment of non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia.