Novartis presents data showing multiple sclerosis drug six times more effective than placebo

Swiss drug major Novartis (NOVN: VX) has announced new analysis from two Phase III trials on Gilenya (fingolimod) in multiple sclerosis.

The new data showed that previously-treated patients with highly-active relapsing multiple sclerosis treated with Gilenya had a six-times greater likelihood of achieving ‘no evidence of disease activity’ across four key measures, compared to placebo, over two years. The four key measures were no relapses, no new MRI lesions, no MS-related brain shrinkage, and no disability progression, and together are known as NEDA4.

Vasant Narasimhan, global head of development at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, said: "NEDA4 is a major step forward in assessing RMS progression, helping physicians to develop effective disease management and treatment strategies for their patients. These data confirm that Gilenya's high efficacy across the four key measures is maintained in previously-treated highly-active RMS, and underscores the important role of Gilenya in the treatment of RMS patients."