Novartis reports new trial data to support MS drug Gilenya

Novartis has announced findings from a new analysis of three phase III trials that further strengthen the clinical profile of its multiple sclerosis (MS) drug Gilenya.

Data from the new analysis of more than 3,600 patients from the Transforms, Freedoms and Freedoms II studies showed reductions in the rate of brain volume loss by about one-third compared to an alternative therapy option.

Meanwhile, a separate assessment of the Freedoms II trial also demonstrated that Gilenya offers consistently reduced annualised relapse rates, regardless of patients' disease activity level, gender, age and prior treatment.

More than 56,000 patients have been treated with Gilenya worldwide to date and it is the first oral disease-modifying treatment to show a consistent effect on brain volume loss.

Dr Timothy Wright, global head of development at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "The findings reported show the effect of Gilenya across a variety of important disease measures and support evidence for initiating early use of this highly effective treatment in patients with relapsing MS."

The drug is one of several MS therapies being showcased at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in San Diego this week.