Effectiveness and Promise of Glatiramer Acetate Depot in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Ehud Marom
The president and chief executive officer of Mapi Pharma discussed the positive phase 2 findings of a new formulation of glatiramer acetate to treat progressive forms of MS, as well as the long-term plans for the drug. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]
WATCH TIME: 5 minutes
"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.
