BERLIN (AFX) - Schering AG said it has completed recruitment for its multiple sclerosis trial BEYOND from which final results are expected in 2007.
This study is the largest ever, randomized, blinded, clinical multiple sclerosis study, and it will examine the efficacy of a higher dosage of the company's breadwinner, Betaferon (Betaseron) to treat multiple sclerosis.
Betaferon 250 mcg has been on the market for 16 years, and this new trial will evaluate whether 2100 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) derive greater benefit from a 500 mcg dose, which is also higher than that of any currently available interferon (a protein which fights virus multiplication in cells).
Additionally, the BEYOND study will compare the efficacy of Betaferon with glatiramer acetate (a non-interferon) in patients with RRMS.
"The BEYOND study is expected to show that the BEYOND dose of Betaferon is more efficacious than any currently available interferon," said head of specialized therapeutics at Schering, Joachim-Friedrich Kapp.
Results from the first phase of the BEYOND program, published in Sep, 2003, showed the dosage was safe and well tolerated.
The Berlin-based pharmaceutical recently released preliminary results from a 16-year study of the MS drug.
This showed a positive long-term impact on patients.
This trial, to be completed later this year, is expected to clarify possible effects of early treatment initiation on a patient's clinical disease course, Schering added.
Betaferon sales reached 780 mln eur in 2004.
rkj/ec
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This study is the largest ever, randomized, blinded, clinical multiple sclerosis study, and it will examine the efficacy of a higher dosage of the company's breadwinner, Betaferon (Betaseron) to treat multiple sclerosis.
Betaferon 250 mcg has been on the market for 16 years, and this new trial will evaluate whether 2100 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) derive greater benefit from a 500 mcg dose, which is also higher than that of any currently available interferon (a protein which fights virus multiplication in cells).
Additionally, the BEYOND study will compare the efficacy of Betaferon with glatiramer acetate (a non-interferon) in patients with RRMS.
"The BEYOND study is expected to show that the BEYOND dose of Betaferon is more efficacious than any currently available interferon," said head of specialized therapeutics at Schering, Joachim-Friedrich Kapp.
Results from the first phase of the BEYOND program, published in Sep, 2003, showed the dosage was safe and well tolerated.
The Berlin-based pharmaceutical recently released preliminary results from a 16-year study of the MS drug.
This showed a positive long-term impact on patients.
This trial, to be completed later this year, is expected to clarify possible effects of early treatment initiation on a patient's clinical disease course, Schering added.
Betaferon sales reached 780 mln eur in 2004.
rkj/ec
COPYRIGHT
Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved.
The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.
AFX News and the AFX Financial News logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited
For more information and to contact AFX: www.afxnews.com and www.afxpress.com
© 2005 AFX News
