Teva reports positive data from MS drug trial

Teva has reported positive data from a phase III clinical trial of laquinimod, its new therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).

Data from the Allegro trial showed that Teva's once-daily treatment is able to reduce inflammatory disease activity, slow disability progression and decrease brain tissue loss when compared to placebo.

Moreover, the therapy demonstrated a favourable safety and tolerability profile, with data from this trial set to support Teva's efforts to seek European Medicines Agency approval for the therapy.

In addition to these MS studies, laquinimod is currently in development as treatment for Crohn's disease and lupus.

Lesley Russell, senior vice-president of research and development for Teva's global branded products division, said: "We look forward to continuing to work with regulatory authorities in both the EU and the US to bring this novel therapy to the MS community."

Last month, the company announced the UK launch of a generic version of Aricept, a leading treatment for Alzheimer's disease developed by Eisai.