Firategrast Demonstrates Efficacy in Relapsing MS

Firategrast is an investigational, orally administered monoclonal antibody that selectively targets α4β-integrins — a target similar to that of natalizumab therapy. For this phase II, industry-sponsored, multicenter trial, researchers randomized 343 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) to receive twice-daily placebo or firategrast at low dose (150 mg), middle dose (600 mg), or high dose (900 mg for women,1200 mg for men).

Active treatment lasted 24 weeks. Planned follow-up lasted at least 12 weeks; follow-up for safety monitoring lasted up to 40 weeks longer. The primary endpoint was the reduction of gadolinium-enhancing (GdE) lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included reduction…