Oral Laquinimod Demonstrates Efficacy in Relapsing MS

In the pursuit of a new therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), researchers conducted this manufacturer-supported, phase III, international, multicenter study of laquinimod, an investigational, quinolone-3-carboxamide anti-inflammatory therapy. They randomized 1106 patients with RRMS to 0.6 mg daily of oral laquinimod or placebo for 24 months.

At 24 months, 78.1% of the original participants remained in the study, with no major difference in dropouts between the groups. The adjusted annualized mean relapse rate was 23% lower with laquinimod than with placebo (0.30/year vs. 0.39/year). Sustained progression of disability at 3 months was also lower with laquinimod (11.1% vs. 15.7%; hazard ratio, 0.64). Freedom from relapses …