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Laquinimod

Laquinimod is an experimental new drug treatment for people with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) that is taken by mouth.

Other names: ABR-215062
In development for: Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS)
Status: Phase III
Last updated: July 2009

How does it work?

Laquinimod affects the levels of certain cytokines (substances released by immune cells) and reduces the passage of immune cellls into the brain and spinal cord.

How is it given?

Laquinimod is taken orally as tablets.

Clinical studies

A recent phase II study of oral laquinimod concluded that it is well tolerated and effective in suppressing development of active MRI lesions in relapsing MS. Treatment over six months resulted in a 30% decrease in MRI disease activity. People with disease activity at the start of the study showed a decrease of more than 40%.

In a second phase II study of 306 people with relapsing remitting MS, laquinimod was given at two different doses for nine months. The higher dose (0.6 mg pe day) significantly reduced the number of active lesions seen in scans from month six onwards. The lower dose (0.3 mg) was not effective.

Further clinical trials

  • ALLEGRO (Safety and Efficacy of Orally Administered Laquinimod for Treatment of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis)

    • Recruitment has been completed for this worldwide phase III study which is comparing a once-daily tablet of laquinimod with placebo over two years. The main measure of effectiveness will be the number of confirmed relapses; other measures include disease progression and MRI. Further details of this study.

  • BRAVO (Laquinimod Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study in RRMS Patients With a Rater Blinded Reference Arm of Interferon β-1a (Avonex)

    • Recruitment has also completed for a second phase III study which is comparing laquinimod with interferon beta-a1 (Avonex) and placebo over a two year period. Relapse rate will be the primary measure of this study.Further details of this study.

Side effects and contraindications

Side effects reported in the study by Comi et al included increased liver enzymes levels and in one case a more serious side effect resulting from a blood clot in the vein leading from the liver.

References

Polman C et al.
Treatment with laquinimod reduces development of active MRI lesions in relapsing MS.
Neurology 2005;64(6):987-991.
Read abstract

Comi G et al.
Effect of laquinimod on MRI-monitored disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIb study.
Lancet 2008; 371:2085-2092,
Read abstract

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