Novartis highlights growing Gilenya usage

Novartis has confirmed its once-daily oral multiple sclerosis treatment Gilenya has been used to treat more than 63,000 patients in both clinical trials and the post-market environment.

The pharmaceutical company announced the compound, which has up to seven years of clinical trial experience and over two years of real-world use, has played an important role in addressing an unmet medical need in the multiple sclerosis community.

At present, Gilenya is the only approved treatment for the condition that is proven to consistently decrease the loss of brain volume across studies with a significant effect seen as early as six months.

Clinical trial data has also shown the drug has significant efficacy in reducing relapses and slowing of six-month disability progression sustained at four years.

David Epstein, head of the pharmaceuticals division at Novartis, said: "Our growing experience reinforces Gilenya's high efficacy and very good tolerability profile and Novartis remains committed to ensuring eligible patients have access to Gilenya."