Laquinimod
Other names: ABR-215062
In development for: Relapsing/remitting MS
Status: Phase III
Last updated: April 2008
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%.
A second, 9-month phase II study, using a higher dose has been recently completed, showing a statistically significant effect on decreasing the number of active lesions in the brain, as well as a clear trend of reducing the number of clinical relapses.
Phase III clinical trials are in preparation.
Laquinimod is being developed by Active Biotech and Teva.
Side effects and contraindications
Not known.
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