Clinical trial of oral therapy in relapsing
remitting MS
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Medical Update Memo
February 22, 2007
SUMMARY
Fingolimod, an oral agent also known as FTY720, is a new class of compound proposed for the
treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Novartis,
the manufacturer of the product, has announced
a new trial for the drug. This is the second
international clinical trial for this agent.
The first study, entitled FREEDOMS, was announced
in August 2006.
DETAILS
Novartis has announced a new study with the
oral agent fingolimod. The study, called
TRANSFORMS, (FTY720 Research Evaluation Daily
Oral efficacy in MS), will last 12 months
and will compare two dosage levels of fingolimod
to interferon beta-1a (Avonex). The study
will include people with relapsing-remitting
MS between the ages of 18 and 55 who have
experienced at least one relapse during the
past year, or two relapses in the past 2
years and meet the study eligibility criteria.
This study is an additional study to the
FREEDOMS
study which is a placebo controlled double-blind
study. The TRANSFORMS study is not a placebo
controlled trial.
Approximately 1,275 people with relapsing-remitting
MS will participate at 130 centres worldwide.
To date, four centres in Canada are enrolling
participants. More sites may be added.
Dr. Jack Antel
Montreal Neurological Institute
Montreal, Quebec
514-398-5750
|
|
Dr. Francois Grandmaison
Neuro Rive-Sud
Greenfield Park, Quebec
450-672-1931 Ext. 255
|
Dr. Mark Freedman
Ottawa General Hospital
Ottawa, Ontario
613-737-8917
|
|
Dr. Galina Vorobeychik
Burnaby Hospital
Burnaby, BC
605-412-6405 |
More information can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
ASK MS Information System Code: 1.4.1.75.e
National Research Department
National Marketing and Communications Department
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