COPAXONE MAY PROTECT AGAINST AXONAL INJURY
New data presented at the European Neurological Society Meeting demonstrated the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effects of Copaxone (glatiramer acetate injection) in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
Results highlighted sustained beneficial effects on cerebral axonal injury and the value of starting Copaxone treatment early to slow the accumulation of long-term disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
The open-label study involved 18 RRMS patients (15 of whom were followed for three years). Assessments included EDSS scores and annual MRI/MRS scans. Additionally, four untreated controls were followed for the first two years. Two of these patients began therapy with Copaxone for the third year of the study.
Copaxone is marketed by Teva Pharmaceutical and sanofi-aventis. In North America, the drug is marketed by Teva Neuroscience.