Teva, Active Biotech: Laquinimod reduces relapses, disease progression in MS patients

JERUSALEM — An investigational drug made by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Active Biotech for multiple sclerosis reduced disease relapses and prevented the progression of disability, according to late-stage clinical trial results announced Monday.

The drug makers said the drug, laquinimod, reduced annualized relapse rates by 23% and disability progression by 36% in the phase-3 “Allegro” study. The drug also reduced brain tissue loss by 33%. In addition, the companies said the drug was safe and well-tolerated, without suppression of the immune system. Laquinimod is a once-daily, orally administered treatment. Teva also makes the injected MS drug Copaxone (glatiramer acetate).

“The Allegro study results are exciting, as they suggest that oral laquinimod is a novel therapeutic option that safely slows MS disease activity and progression,” principal study investigator and medical professor at the University Vite Salute in San Raffaele, Italy, Giancarlo Comi, said.