teaser
Canadian and European scientists have been given the go-ahead to continue researching a drug developed to combat multiple sclerosis (MS).
The independent drug safety monitoring board (DSMB) for the MAESTRO-01 trial has recommended that BioMS Medical carries the trial on to completion. MAESTRO-01 is the pivotal phase II/III study of dirucotide (MBP8298) in patients with secondary progressive MS.
Based on the DSMB decision, Eli Lilly and Company has agreed to provide the GBP 5.2 million milestone payment to BioMS as part of the terms of the licensing and collaboration agreement.
Kevin Giese, president and CEO of BioMS Medical, said: “We are very encouraged by the safety board’s recommendation.
“This positive review is an important milestone for BioMS and our partner, Eli Lilly and Company, and moves us one step closer to our goal of bringing this important therapy to multiple sclerosis patients.”
Dr Mark Freedman, professor of Neurology at the University of Ottawa and director of the MS Research Clinic at the Ottawa Hospital, said: “We are pleased by the results of the interim analysis and look forward to final efficacy and safety data from this trial next year.
“If successful, this novel therapy administered only twice per year could help a large underserved population with late stage MS.”
Copyright PA Business 2008
