Effectiveness and Promise of Glatiramer Acetate Depot in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Ehud Marom

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"The second parameter, progression of the disease, was zero for 1 year [on glatiramer acetate depot], compared with Ocrevus, the only approved drug for primary progressive MS, which still goes up in progression after 1 year."

The wait for new medications for patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) continues, as Genentech’s ocrelizumab (Ocrevus), FDA-approved in 2019, remains the only therapeutic available on the market specifically indicated for progressive disease. For years, glatiramer acetate injection (Copaxone; Teva Pharmaceuticals) has been an option for patients with relapsing MS; however, a new formulation designed by Mapi Pharma may have potential in both designations.

Glatiramer acetate depot, which consists of extended-release microspheres containing the drug, administered intramuscularly once every 28 days, demonstrated positive results in a phase 2a study of patients with progressive MS presented at the 2022 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual meeting, June 1-4, in National Harbor, Maryland. At 1 year of treatment, no unexpected adverse events were reported, and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores remained stable for all patients. Additionally, no 12-week confirmed disability progression was detected and mo evidence of progression status was observed for 69.2% of the cohort.

To get the full details of the study, NeurologyLive^® sat down with Ehud Marom, president and chief executive officer of Mapi Pharma. He discussed the reason for excitement surrounding the medication, as well as the future plans and a potential phase 3 study.

REFERENCE
1. Fletcher S, Kimelman NB, Danon U, et al. Glatiramer acetate depot (extended release) phase 2a study in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis: safety and efficacy 1 year interim snapshot analysis. Presented at: CMSC Annual Meeting; June 1-4, 2022; National Harbor, MD