New Teva Copaxone study has promising results

The study showed that a higher dose of Copaxone had increased efficacy in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: TEVA; TASE: TEVA) has announced the results of a study showing that a higher dose of its ethical drug Copaxone (glatiramer acetate injection) had promising results in the treatment of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

A 9-month, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group phase II study of 90 patients comparing a 40 mg dose of Copaxone to the currently approved 20 mg dose showed a 38% greater reduction in mean cumulative number of gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing lesions as measured by magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain in patients taking the higher dose compared with those taking the 20 mg dose.

In addition, patients taking Copaxone 40 mg experienced a reduced mean on-trial relapse rate of 77% when compared to annual relapse rate prior to entry, compared to 62% with Copaxone 20 mg.

"Following these results, we are planning to conduct a large-scale Phase III study designed to confirm the higher efficacy of Copaxone with the increased dose. The Phase III study is expected to be launched in the second half of 2006," said Teva president and CEO Israel Makov.

These study results were announced as a late breaking science platform presentation at this year's 58th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in San Diego, CA, April 1-8, 2006.

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