Teriflunomide in Adjunct to Interferon Beta Significantly Improved Outcomes of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Sanofi-aventis reported today new one-year data from a Phase II study with teriflunomide, a novel oral disease modifier being investigated for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis [...]

• Caroline says: The age of orals is upon us...teriflumomide (Sanofi) added to beta interferon produced favorable outcomes when studied alone or as an adjunct to beta interferon. This is a Phase II study, which means this is a long way from FDA approval (interesting to keep on your radar, nonetheless).
   

• Related Links:
• http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teriflunomide-in-adjunct-to-interferon-b…

• What’s the Point of Extavia?

  Featured Story Oct. 16, 2009 By Angela Maas, Managing Editor Another drug in the self-injected multiple sclerosis (MS) class recently came onto the marketplace. But many within [...]

  • Caroline says: The general consensus on Extavia (the generic form of Betaseron that received FDA approval earlier this year) is that its sole purpose is to create Novartis' entree into the MS marketplace in preparation for FTY-720. The MS market is one in which until now, Novartis has been totally unfamiliar. The strategy is clear -- but the point of Extavia is not, according to this very interesting article. Several experts note that Betaseron has the lowest market share of all interferons, and although the price of Extavia hasn't been officially released, insiders report it will cost barely less than Betaseron. The only thing in this article that I patently disagree with is that Copaxone is the most prescribed interferon...um, since when? Interesting insight into pharma marketing strategy and a fun read, nonetheless!
     
  
  

  • First 10-Year Follow-Up Shows That AVONEX® Leads To Long-Term Benefits In Early MS Pts

    July 4, 2009 Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) announced data results from the CHAMPIONS (Controlled High-Risk AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Prevention Study In Ongoing Neurologic Surveillance) [...]

    • Caroline says: Avonex, Betaseron, and Copaxone have all been approved to treat a first episode of possible MS (Rebif is currently recruiting for their Ph III trial and not far behind in FDA approval). These findings are very significant for those with a first episode because they determine that there was a 40% reduction in conversion to clinically definite MS in pts treated immediately after a first episode. I think that all 10-year follow up studies involving interferons being administered after a first episode will yield similar results. This is very good news for those with a first episode or "possible MS".
       
    
    

    • Daclizumab and Interferon: Next Wave Combination Therapy?

      Studies are ongoing. This post isn’t hot off the press…

      • Caroline says: OK, so daclizumab will be an adjunct to an interferon, not a stand-alone agent when and if it is approved for MS. So, people who do not have complete symptom management on interferons alone, take note! The MRI data look good!
         
      
      

      • Daclizumab shows Promise in Phase II Trial

        Daclizumab Shows Promise in Phase II Trial for MS Just over a year ago, PDL Pharmaceuticals partnered with MS giant Biogen (Avonex, Tysabri) to bring a drug [...]

        • Caroline says: Everything is being tested for RRMS, daclizumab included. This drug was marketed previously for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection under the name Zenapax. This trial was interesting because ALL participants received daclizumab in addition to interferons, so the actual benefit of the drug is still unclear. But the group receiving the higher daclizumab dose did have better MRIs. I'm going to try and find more info on this.