Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and Active Biotech enrolled the first patient in their study A RandomizedPlacebo-controlled Trial Evaluating Laquinimod in primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), Gauging Gradations In MRI and Clinical Outcomes (ARPEGGIO), a Phase II study to evaluate laquinimod. This is an investigational, oral, immune modulator, for PPMS, which currently has no approved treatments.

PPMS affects approximately 15 percent of all MS patients and is characterized by the worsening of neurologic function without distinct relapses. All previous studies evaluating RRMS treatments in patients with PPMS have failed to prove effective.

“Laquinimod may represent an opportunity to help meet the challenge of PPMS,” said Michael Hayden, M.D., Ph.D., President of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer at Teva. “

Source: FierceBiotech