An experimental drug for multiple sclerosis has achieved dramatic results in global trials, a conference is set to hear this week.
The drug laquinimod cut relapse rates by 23 per cent in a study involving more than 1,100 patients, researchers say.
Experts say the drug is tackling inflammation in the brain and helping to prevent irreversible damage to the brain.
Details of the trial are to be reported to the conference of the American Academy of Neurology in Honolulu, USA, but were leaked yesterday in the financial media – leading to early publication.
During the research, patients received laquinimod or a placebo for two years. The results suggested a 36 per cent reduction in development of disability and a 23 per cent reduction in the annual relapse rate.
Researcher Dr Giancarlo Comi, of the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy, said: "These exciting results confirm that laquinimod has a significant impact on progression of disability and disease activity, while maintaining a high safety profile."
He added: "This may be attributed to the novel mechanism of action of laquinimod, which effectively and safely addressed both the acute inflammatory activity and the accumulation of irreversible tissue damage.
"This suggests a substantial future role for laquinimod in the treatment of multiple sclerosis."
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