Underlying Cause Of Multiple Sclerosis Targeted By Alemtuzumab

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Immune System / Vaccines;  Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 23 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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WHAT:

Today, Thursday, October 23, the New England Journal of Medicine publish the results of the Phase II clinical trial comparing the investigational compound alemtuzumab against an approved therapy in early, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients.

The investigational compound targets the root cause of multiple sclerosis, the immune system cells that attack the central nervous system.

This international clinical trial was overseen by investigators with the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, Genzyme Corporation, and Bayer.

The study's principal investigator, lead author, drug development leaders and co-authors discussed the key findings and took reporter questions in the only international assembly of the study team. The speakers also discussed other new associated top-line data and the rollout of additional studies.

SPEAKERS:

• Alastair Compston, M.D., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, study principal investigator.
  
  
• Alasdair Coles, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, study lead author. Dr. Coles is also a consultant neurologist at Addenbrooke's hospital.
  
  
• David Margolin, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Medical Director, Genzyme Corporation, study co-author.
  
  
• Susan Moran, M.D., M.S.C.E, Medical Director, Genzyme Corporation, study co-author and pharmacovigilance officer.
  
  
• Christoph Pohl, M.D., Senior Medical Director, Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany, responsible for drug development programs in MS

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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Source: Genevieve Maul
University of Cambridge