B-MS gets Zeposia approval but delays launch due to coronavirus

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) has received US approval for Zeposia (ozanimod) for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.

The US pharma major acquired this drug as part of its $74 billion buy of biotech company Celgene last year. It was seen as one of the latter company’s most promising pipeline assets in late-stage development. B-MS’ shares were up 6% at $52.32 by mid-afternoon trading today.

"We are well positioned with our heritage in transformational science to ensure this innovative compound ultimately benefits as many patients as possible"Zeposia is a S1P receptor modulator, joining Novartis’ (NOVN: VX) therapies Gilenya (fingolimod) and Mayzent (siponimod) as approved MS treatments in this class.