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Oral laquinimod treatment in multiple sclerosis
1Instituto de Neurociencias Clínicas, Hospital Regional Universitario Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain. oscar.fernandez.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es
Neurologia (Barcelona, Spain)
|December 18, 2010
Summary
Laquinimod, an oral immunomodulator, shows promise for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Phase III studies are evaluating its efficacy as an alternative to current injectable treatments for RRMS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune central nervous system disease.
- Current treatments like interferon beta and glatiramer acetate offer partial efficacy and require injection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review laquinimod's potential as a novel immunomodulatory therapy for relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
Main Methods:
- Laquinimod, a quinolone-carboxamide, demonstrated efficacy in animal models of MS.
- Phase II studies in RRMS showed dose-response effects on disease activity and favorable tolerability.
- Two Phase III studies are evaluating laquinimod 0.6 mg/day in RRMS.
Main Results:
- Laquinimod exhibits immunomodulatory effects, potentially via a Th1/Th2 shift, without causing immunosuppression.
- Phase II trials indicated a dose-dependent reduction in active brain lesions in RRMS patients.
- Favorable tolerability and safety profiles were observed in clinical and laboratory assessments.
Conclusions:
- Laquinimod is an orally administered immunomodulator for RRMS.
- It has advanced to Phase III trials, indicating potential as an alternative to parenteral therapies.
- Laquinimod may offer a new treatment option for patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
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