Janssen files for EMA approval of ponesimod in multiple sclerosis

US healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary Janssen has filed a marketing authorization application (MAA) with the European Medicines Agency seeking approval for ponesimod for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Ponesimod is a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) modulator that inhibits S1P protein activity and in so doing is believed to reduce the number of circulating lymphocytes that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Analysts have forecast peak potential sales of $200 to $400 million for ponesimod.

In patients with MS the movement of immune cells into the brain damages myelin, the protective sheath that insulates nerve cells. Damage to myelin slows or halts nerve conduction, producing the neurologic signs and symptoms of MS.