Novartis announces first test results for therapy

Novartis has announced the first phase III results for FTY720, a novel oral therapy for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The results of the Transforms (Trial Assessing injectable interferon vS FTY720 oral in RrMS) tests showed the oral compound – also known as fingolimod – has superior efficacy over the current standard of care for patients.

Subjects on the drug experienced fewer relapses, in comparison to those treated with the injectable medicine interferon beta-1a (Avonex).

Trevor Mundel, global head of development at Novartis, said the company was “encouraged” by the early results of Transforms.

He added they “represent a major step towards delivering an effective oral treatment for people with relapsing-remitting MS”.

“These positive results reinforce the potential for FTY720 to provide a significant advance in ? future treatment,” Mr Mundel went on to say.

Transforms is the first of three studies that will report results in one of the largest phase III clinical programmes ever conducted in MS – involving more than 3,400 patients worldwide.

Based in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis increased research and development investments by more than 20 per cent to $6.4 billion (4.26 billion pounds) over 2007.

It currently employs 100,000 people and operates in 140 countries.