Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq:TEVA; TASE:TEVA) announced today that Copaxone has achieved one million patient years of experience in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This analysis is based on internal data submitted annually to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

University of Maryland School of Medicine professor of neurology Kenneth Johnson said, "This milestone underscores the established long-term efficacy and safety of Copaxone to physicians and patients who rely on the therapy to manage MS. As the treatment landscape evolves, recognizing the importance of demonstrated efficacy and safety, over the long-term, remains paramount. The long-term Copaxone data accumulated over the years is reassuring given the life-long nature of MS.”

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America president and CEO Douglas Franklin said, “Twenty years ago, we did not know if a safe, effective treatment for MS would be available for patients. The fact that we are able to celebrate the long-term impact of this treatment is something we are thankful for on behalf of MS patients worldwide."

Approved in 1996, Copaxone was the first, non-interferon treatment for RRMS. A prospective, clinical trial of more than 19 years is still ongoing and its data reinforce the established efficacy and safety profile of Copaxone. Teva reported sales of $2.8 billion for Copaxone in 2009, 25% up on the previous year.

Laura Kimball, an MS patient, who participated in the pivotal study that led to the approval of Copaxone and continues to be treated in the ongoing prospective study, said, “I believe that addressing my disease early and committing to a continuous therapy has helped me maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Teva's share was up 0.1% on NASDAQ today to $63.20, giving a market cap of $55.93 billion.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 12, 2010

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