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Teva Completes Enrollment in Second Oral Laquinimod Phase III MS Clinical Trial

By tscott

Source: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Jerusalem, Israel and Lund, Sweden, June 25, 2009 – Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA) and Active Biotech (NASDAQ OMX NORDIC: ACTI) today announced completion of patient enrollment for the second pivotal Phase III clinical trial, BRAVO, evaluating the novel, oral once-daily immunomodulating compound, laquinimod, for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). BRAVO is a global clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of laquinimod versus placebo, and to provide risk-benefit data for laquinimod versus a currently available injectable treatment, Avonex®.

The BRAVO study completed patient enrollment in June, recruiting more than 1,200 patients at 156 sites in the United States, Europe, Israel and South Africa.

“Teva and Active Biotech are encouraged by the potential of laquinimod to address patients’ unmet need for an oral immunomodulating MS therapy that provides efficacy while maintaining safety” said Moshe Manor, Teva’s Group Vice President, Global Branded Products. “We look forward to continuing our clinical Phase III program of laquinimod, and hope it will offer enhanced quality of health for RRMS patients”. (more)

In Pursuit of a Happiness Gene

By tscott

Source: Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Medicine

Tel Aviv University Researches Twins to Find a Biological Door to the Bright Side

The pursuit of happiness characterizes the human condition. But for those suffering from stress, money trouble or chronic illness, a positive outlook on life can be difficult to find. Now, a Tel Aviv University researcher says we should look to our genes.

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Professor Yoram Barak of Tel Aviv University’s Sackler School of Medicine is engaged in the “attempt to find the happiness gene, the genetic component of happiness,” which may be 50% responsible for an optimistic outlook. The research is a collaboration between Tel Aviv University and its affiliated research hospital, the Chaim Sheba Medical Centre at Tel Hashomer, which is the largest hospital in Israel. (more)

Biogen Idec Announces First Patient Enrolled in the Global Phase III Study of PEGylated Interferon Beta-1a for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

By tscott

Less Frequent Injections would be a Significant Advancement for People Living with MS

Source: Biogen Idec

On June 22, 2009, Biogen Idec announced enrollment of the first patient in a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEGylated interferon beta-1a (BIIB017) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The trial, called ADVANCE, will determine the efficacy of PEGylated interferon beta-1a in reducing relapse rates in patients with RMS. (more)

Intimacy and Multiple Sclerosis—A Four-Point Strategy to Maintain a Satisfying Sex Life

By tscott

By Tom Scott

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In every healthy marriage and relationship, intimacy plays an important role. For those living with a disability, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), maintaining a satisfying sex life can be an arduous task. But there are ways to return to the level of intimacy you once knew.

“I think MS, especially for women who are diagnosed, can affect your psyche,” says Mimi Mosher, who, through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, offers intimacy guidance to patients. (more)

Teriflunomide Oral Drug Trial Recruiting Worldwide

By tscott

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The TOPIC Study is a clinical research study testing the safety and effectiveness of Teriflunomide, an oral investigational medication for those at high risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). This study, which is sponsored by Sanofi-Aventis, will also determine whether early treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms associated with MS.>).

Teriflunomide (Terr-eh-floo-no-mide) is derived from Leflunomide (Leh-floo-no-mide), also known as Arava®. (more)

Two Gene Locations May Unravel Mystery of MS

By tscott

An international study conducted by researchers from Australia and New Zealand have uncovered two new gene locations that may reveal insight into the genectic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS), according to Professor Trevor Kilpatrick, director of Neurosciences at the University of Melbourne (www.unimelb.edu.au) who co-cordinated the study with Dr. Justin Rubio of Florey Neurosciences Institutes.” (more)

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