Teva’s laquinimod shown to help prevent MS-related brain damage

Teva and Active Biotech have reported positive phase III clinical trial data that further underlines the benefits provided by their multiple sclerosis (MS) drug laquinimod.

A pre-planned analysis of the phase III Allegro study demonstrated that once-daily oral laquinimod can provide a beneficial impact on brain tissue damage caused by neurodegeneration, one of the most destructive aspects of MS.

Specifically, patients receiving laquinimod showed decreased rates of white matter, grey matter and thalamic atrophy, developed fewer permanent black holes and accumulated less damage to brain tissue than those receiving a placebo.

Dr Michael Hayden, president of global research and development and chief scientific officer for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, said: "We are proud to announce that we plan to initiate a clinical trial of the drug in primary progressive multiple sclerosis to gather even more evidence of this novel mechanism of action."

Meanwhile, a further phase III trial called Concerto was initiated in March 2013 and is currently evaluating the two doses of the investigational drug in approximately 1,800 patients for up to 24 months.