MILLENNIUM INITIATES PHASE II OF ITS CLINICAL TRIAL

Millennium Pharmaceuticals announced the initiation of a multicenter Phase II clinical trial of MLN1202 in approximately 40 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common form of the disease.

MLN1202, a novel humanized monoclonal antibody, is designed to block CCR2 chemokine receptors and prevent the infiltration of immune cells into inflammatory sites. The CCR2 chemokine pathway is believed to play a central role in a number of inflammatory conditions, including MS.

This proof-of-concept study will assess the safety and tolerability of the molecule and determine the effect of MLN1202 on disease activity by magnetic resonance imaging. Study participants will receive multiple doses of MLN1202 in two dosing regimens over the course of four months. The study will be conducted at sites in Canada and Europe.