Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA; TASE: TEVA) today announced positive results for the GALA Phase III clinical trial of high dosage Copaxone for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. The study found that 40 milligram dosages administered subcutaneously three times a week significantly reduced disease activity, and had a favorable safety and tolerability profile. At present a 20 milligram dosage of Copaxone is injected daily.
The one-year trial included 1,400 patients at 155 sites worldwide. The study achieved its primary endpoint significantly reducing the annualized relapse rate by 34.4%, compared with the placebo, and also achieved all the secondary endpoints, with the exception of reduction in brain atrophy.
Teva SVP clinical research, global branded R&D Serge Stankovic said, "We are pleased with the results of this study that show the potential of 40 mg/1 ml glatiramer acetate to offer patients an effective and safe treatment option with Copaxone using a more convenient dosing regimen. We remain focused on the continued research and development of products aimed at improving the treatment experience for patients with multiple sclerosis."
Teva's share price fell 0.2% in early trading on Nasdaq to $38.46, giving a market cap of $33.6 billion, after falling 2.5% on the TASE to NIS 146.90.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 14, 2012
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