FTY720 (fingolimod), seeking to become the first oral disease-modifying treatment for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), is being studied in a Phase III program underway with the goal of enrolling more than 3,000 patients worldwide. A two-year placebo-controlled program (FREEDOMS) is measuring reductions in the frequency of relapses and disability progression in MS patients. A one-year trial (TRANFORMS) started in May 2006 comparing FTY720 with interferon beta-1a (Avonex®). Two-year data from the extension of a Phase II trial showed sustained benefits, indicating that FTY720 could provide an important new option for the estimated 2.5 million people worldwide suffering from this disabling neurological disease. Submission remains on track for 2009.
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