New Anti-Sense Drug

ATL/TV1102, a new anti-sense drug, significantly reduced MRI activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Anti-sense drugs block disease-causing proteins from being made based on information in the genetic code. ATL/TV1102 may prevent white blood cells from entering sites of inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase IIa study showed a 54.4% reduction (p=0.01) in cumulative number of new active MRI lesions in patients taking ATL/TV1102 for 8 weeks, compared to placebo. Seventy-seven patients received either ATL/TV1102 or placebo injections under the skin at a dose of 200 mg three times a week for the first week and twice weekly over additional 7 weeks. The patients received monthly MRI brain scans. Patients taking ATL/TV1102 experienced a 65% reduced cumulative number of T1 with contrast enhancing lesions (p=0.0053). Risks were injection site reactions and low platelet counts, which were reversible when the treatment was stopped.