CLEVELAND, Ohio — A multiple sclerosis drug being developed by Swiss drug maker Novartis is more effective than an injected medication that already is on the market, according to a multi-center study led by the Cleveland Clinic.
The study — paid for by Novartis — will be published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Jeffrey Cohen of the Clinic’s Mellen Center and his team analyzed the results of a Phase 3 trial of a compound called fingolimod, or FTY720. More than 1,200 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) took part in the multinational study.
Simplify Salon & Spa Employee Management with Meevo’s Comprehensive Software
Meevo offers an all-in-one solution for managing salon and spa employees. From scheduling and time tracking to payroll and promotions, Meevo streamlines operations and supports growth.
“In our study, fingolimod was more effective than interferon beta-1a, an approved, standard medication, in reducing relapses and MRI lesion activity and lessening the loss of brain tissue as a result of MS,” said Cohen, the study’s lead principal investigator. “The study found it to be a well-tolerated compound in pill form and may represent another treatment option for people living with MS.”
Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks normal nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
The Phase 3 trial results indicate that fingolimod protects brain tissue from further deterioration from MS and may increase the body’s ability to repair the damage, Cohen said.
“We have seven medications for MS now. They all have some drawbacks,” he said. There is a “large number” of other therapies, including stem cells, being tested, “so hopefully, our repertoire will be expanded pretty soon,” said Cohen, whose center is involved in studies of some other oral MS drugs and about to start a study of stem cells for the treatment of the disease.
Immune Support on Demand: Ranking the Top Mobile IV Therapy Companies
Explore the top mobile IV therapy companies boosting immune health on demand, with standout services, expert care and innovative delivery across the U.S.
“What’s exciting is, there’s a lot of activity looking for new treatments for MS,” Cohen said. “We’re starting to make some headway. First of all, we recognize that the disease needs better treatments. And secondly, as we learn more about the disease, it’s giving some clues as to how to attack it.”