Update: Teva, Active Biotech end use of high dose of laquinimod in two studies after heart incidents

5 January 2016

Shares in Israel-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE: TEVA) closed down half a percent on the New York stock exchange following the announcement it will along with partner Active Biotech (Nasdaq Stockholm: ACTI) discontinue the use of higher doses of the investigational multiple sclerosis drug, laquinimod, in two clinical studies after eight patients suffered nonfatal cardiovascular events.

Shares in the Sweden-based Active Biotech were down over 2.5% in morning trade in Stockholm.

The incidents occurred in the higher-dose components of a Phase III and a Phase II clinical trial, the companies said in a joint statement. The lower-dose and placebo components of the tests will continue.

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