First Patient Enrolled in Third Phase III Study of Oral Laquinimod for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

JERUSALEM and LUND, SWEDEN–(Marketwire – Mar 6, 2013) –

CONCERTO Study Enrolling Patients Globally to Evaluate Impact of Laquinimod on Disability Progression

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA) and Active Biotech (NASDAQ OMX NORDIC: ACTI) announced today enrollment of the first patient in the CONCERTO study – the third Phase III placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of once-daily oral laquinimod in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The primary outcome measure of CONCERTO will be confirmed disability progression as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

“Previous Phase III studies in more than 2,400 people with RRMS suggest a unique profile of laquinimod, directly affecting the neurodegenerative processes that lead to disability progression, the main concern in the treatment of RRMS,” said CONCERTO principal investigator, Dr. Timothy Vollmer, Professor of Neurology, University of Colorado Denver, Medical Director of the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center, and Co-Director of the RMMSC at Anschutz. “We are currently enrolling patients in this third pivotal study to further examine the clinical benefits of laquinimod on disability progression, the primary endpoint of the CONCERTO trial, and brain atrophy, at both the previously studied 0.6 mg dose, and now a higher 1.2 mg dose.”

The multinational, randomized, double blind placebo-controlled study will aim to enroll approximately 1,800 patients at more than 300 sites globally (http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01707992). Along with the primary endpoint of time to confirmed disability progression, the study will also examine the impact of laquinimod on endpoints such as percent change in brain volume and other clinical and MRI markers of disease activity.

“For nearly 30 years, Teva has been focused on improving the lives of people with multiple sclerosis by delivering innovative treatment options that address this complex disease,” said Dr. Michael Hayden, President of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. “The CONCERTO study demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with MS communities worldwide to further develop laquinimod and address unmet patient needs.”

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