Cambridge-based Genzyme Corp., which has significant operations in Central Massachusetts, announced positive results from a follow-up study of Phase 2 clinical trials of a multiple sclerosis drug called alemtuzumab.
The trial followed 334 patients with relapsing and remitting MS who took the drug for 12 months. The company went back to the patients treated after five years and found that those that took the drug were improved and showed a low risk of relapse. The analysis also found that patients treated with alemtuzumab had a lower relapse rate than those treated with Rebif, an MS drug made by a division of Merck.
Genzyme is conducting two Phase 3 trials of alemtuzumab. In one trial, recently diagnosed MS patients are randomly receiving alemtuzumab or Rebif. In the second trial, alemtuzumab and Rebif are being compared in treatment of MS patients who have relapsed while taking other drugs. Genzyme expects results of the Phase 3 trials to be available next year.
