A 40mg dose was found not to be more efficacious in treating multiple sclerosis.
The results of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.'s (Nasdaq: TEVA; TASE: TEVA) trials of its MS drug Copaxone in a 40mg dosage were released slightly earlier than planned, but did not contain any good news for investors. The company announced the 40mg dose did not demonstrate increased efficacy in reducing the relapse rate. However, the higher dose maintained the favorable safety and tolerability profile of the 20mg dosage.
The announcement sent Teva's share down 3.95% in morning trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE). Had the trials showed the 40mg dosage to be significantly more efficacious than the 20mg dosage, the company's patent on Copaxone would have been extended by three years.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 7, 2008
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