The results showed that 73% of patients who began the study on FTY720 (fingolimod) 5mg remained free from relapses after three years, and 68% of those who began the study on FTY720 1.25mg remained relapse-free. The figures after two years of treatment were 77% and 75% respectively. On the basis of comparable efficacy and a better safety profile, all patients have been transferred to FTY720 1.25mg in the study extension.
The 36-month data also showed an average annualized relapse rate of 0.20, equivalent to one relapse in five years, while 89% of patients were free of the active brain lesions characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS) as measured by magnetic resonance imaging three years after starting treatment.
Trevor Mundel, head of global development functions at Novartis Pharma, said: “It is especially encouraging to see that FTY720 continues to demonstrate sustained efficacy by helping the majority of patients to remain free of relapses as the study progresses.”