Genzyme and Bayer initiate first Phase III trial in MS treatment

Genzyme Corporation and Bayer Schering Pharma announced today the start of its first phase III trial looking into the safety and efficacy of alemtuzumab for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The first patient has been enrolled on the CARE-MS I trial, which will compare alemtuzumab with Rebif in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

The CARE-MS I trial is expected that alemtuzumab will be given in two annual cycles while Rebif will be administered three times a week.

The trial will be quickly followed by a second trial which will enrol patients who have continued relapse episodes while taking disease modifying therapies.

The CARE-MS I study will enrol around 525 patients across 60 medical centres around the world.

It will compare the two treatments through two co-primary endpoints – time to sustained accumulation of disability and the annualised relapse rate

Two genes which increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) were discovered earlier this year by scientists.