Data at ECTRIMS to confirm Novartis’ Gilenya long-term efficacy on reducing brain volume loss and real-world relapse rates in MS

New data showing the benefits of Gilenya (fingolimod) on patient outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS) will be presented at the 29th Congress of the European Committee for Research and Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Copenhagen, Denmark, adding to the growing evidence base for Gilenya in both clinical trial and real-world settings. The event will be held from October 2 to 5, 2013.

New four-year data from the pivotal FREEDOMS and FREEDOMS extension studies plus a separate analysis of three studies (FREEDOMS, FREEDOMS II and TRANSFORMS) will show the benefits of continued Gilenya treatment on brain volume loss compared to delayed treatment of two years. These data will reinforce what we know about the correlation between brain volume loss and disability, underlining the need for effectively addressing brain volume loss in patients with MS. Data from international and US real-world databases will also confirm the favourable effect of Gilenya on reducing relapse rates for patients with MS.

“It is very encouraging for patients that we continue to confirm the long-term benefits Gilenya delivers in MS,” said Dr Timothy Wright, Global Head Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. “These new data will emphasise the importance of reducing brain volume loss and relapse rates for patients, with increasing evidence on the effectiveness of Gilenya from both clinical and real-world settings.”

Novartis MS portfolio highlights at ECTRIMS include: Six poster presentations on the importance of, and impact of Gilenya on, brain volume loss; Ten poster presentations on the efficacy of Gilenya both in clinical trials and real-world settings; Nine posters, three oral presentations will reinforce the tolerability and safety profile of Gilenya; Eight poster presentations discuss the real-world evidence for Gilenya; Nine poster presentations will reinforce success of Gilenya in a real-world setting; Eleven posters highlight the breadth of Novartis’ pipeline.

In addition to marketed products Gilenya and Extavia (interferon beta-1b for subcutaneous injection) the Novartis MS portfolio includes investigational compounds BAF312 (siponimod) and AIN457 (secukinumab).

EP News Bereau – Mumbai