Positive Results for Oral Laquinimod

One of the highlights of the American Academy of Neurology meeting was the results of the ALLEGRO trial which was presented on April 15.  1160 relapsing MS patients were randomly assigned to placebo or oral laquinimod 0.6 mg for 2 years.  Patients on laquinimod were 36% less likely to progress in disability compared to those on placebo. Relapses were reduced by 23% on this experimental oral treatment.  Active brain lesions appearing bright with contrast were 37% lower on laquinimod.

In the trial, those individuals treated with oral laquinimod had more liver enzyme abnormalities and abdominal pain than those individuals on placebo.  More cases of appendicitis were reported on laquinimod.  Phase III BRAVO trials results for laquinimod will be announced later this year.   The BRAVO trial will include a group of patients on placebo and a group of patients on Avonex.