LUND, SWEDEN–(Marketwire – 04/15/10) –
– Enhanced levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor, possibly contributing to neuroprotection, were shown in laquinimod treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients
– Laquinimod significantly reduce demyelination and axonal damage as shown in animal models
– Two ongoing pivotal, global phase III clinical trials are fully enrolled and results are anticipated next year
New data from studies in RRMS patients demonstrate that treatment with laquinimod results in a significant increase in brain derived neurotrophic factor, a key protein responsible for the maintenance of mature neurons.
Additionally, data from new animal models show that following treatment with laquinimod there were significant reduction in the extent of demyelination, and more axonal preservation within spinal cord lesions. Furthermore, treatment with laquinimod inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells, into the spinal cord and brain as well as causing a positive shift in specific white blood cells involved in MS pathology.
These findings suggest laquinimod may have neuroprotective properties in addition to anti-inflammatory effects. Coupled with the Phase IIb study results, which demonstrated oral laquinimod to be effective and safe in RRMS patients, these data provide further insight into the contributing factors surrounding the favorable benefit-risk profile associated with this compound to date.