How does it work?

The way in which Laquinimod works is not yet completely understood, though it is known to affect the immune system. 

How is it administered?

Laquinimod is taken as a tablet once a day 

To what type of MS is it targeted?

Relapsing remitting MS 

Most recent trial results

The recent phase II trial in 8 European countries and Israel involved 306 participants with relapsing remitting MS who were randomised into three groups, one placebo group and two groups taking different doses of laquinimod. Lesions were measured monthly by MRI brain scans.

The study showed a 40 per cent decrease in the number of lesions in people taking the higher dose of laquinimod compared with people taking a placebo. People with MS receiving the lower dose of laquinimod did not have a significant reduction in lesions.

The majority of people who participated in the study have continued treatment in a 9 month extension study. If all goes well, this will be followed by an additional 24 month study.

 

Current situation

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has begun a world-wide phase III in September 2007 aiming to assess the effectiveness of daily oral laquinimod in 1000 people with relapsing remitting MS compared to placebo. The study results are not due out before 2012 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00509145)

A further phase III trial called the BRAVO study aims to assess the effects of laquinimod compared to beta interferon medication (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00605215).

 

Side effects

Both doses of laquinimod were well tolerated, with some participants experiencing temporary increases in liver enzymes.