MS pill shows promising results
12 Dec 2008
Results released today by pharmaceutical firm Novartis on the development of an oral pill for multiple sclerosis (MS) show that the drug can significantly reduce the number of relapses people experience compared to interferon beta-1a.
FTY720 (or Fingolimod) is an oral therapy that is currently being tested in a series of clinical trials as a potential treatment for relapsing-remitting MS.
The trial involved two doses of FTY720 - 0.5mg and 1.25mg. Those on the 0.5mg dose experienced on average 52 per cent fewer relapses than those on interferon beta-1a, and those on the 1.25mg dose experienced 38 per cent fewer.
The results released today were interim results from the TRANSFORMS study, a phase III or late stage clinical trial for people with relapsing remitting MS.
The pill is taken once a day and works by suppressing lymphocytes - a particular part of the immune system which is thought to be involved in causing damage to the central nervous system in people with multiple sclerosis.
MS Society Research Manager, Doug Brown, said: “An alternative to regular injections will be welcome relief for people living with MS.
“These results are very positive, and we look forward to the day when an effective and safe oral pill is available.”
Final results from this trial and two other phase III trials also looking at FTY720 are expected during 2009.
Read more about Fingolimod on our Research News Pages
The trial involved two doses of FTY720 - 0.5mg and 1.25mg. Those on the 0.5mg dose experienced on average 52 per cent fewer relapses than those on interferon beta-1a, and those on the 1.25mg dose experienced 38 per cent fewer.
The results released today were interim results from the TRANSFORMS study, a phase III or late stage clinical trial for people with relapsing remitting MS.
The pill is taken once a day and works by suppressing lymphocytes - a particular part of the immune system which is thought to be involved in causing damage to the central nervous system in people with multiple sclerosis.
MS Society Research Manager, Doug Brown, said: “An alternative to regular injections will be welcome relief for people living with MS.
“These results are very positive, and we look forward to the day when an effective and safe oral pill is available.”
Final results from this trial and two other phase III trials also looking at FTY720 are expected during 2009.
Read more about Fingolimod on our Research News Pages
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