Novartis publishes positive clinical trial data for Gilenia

Novartis has presented clinical trial data for its multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment Gilenia, demonstrating the protection it offers against relapses.

Results presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting showed that use of the drug led to decreased relapse rates in patients, regardless of whether they had undergone previous treatments.

This latest two-year study represents the latest stage of what has become one of the largest phase III MS trial programmes ever conducted, with many of the patients involved in their sixth year of therapy.

Dr Trevor Mundel, global head of development at Novartis Pharma, said the data also demonstrates the potential benefit of switching to Gilenia from the currently approved treatment interferon beta-1a.

He added: “These findings reinforce the potential for Gilenia to be a breakthrough therapy option for physicians and people with relapsing forms of MS.”

The treatment has also been granted priority review status by the Food and Drug Administration and could become the first oral MS treatment to be approved by the regulator.