Teva Announces Copaxone(R) Reaches One Million Patient Years Of Experience In The Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 13 Apr 2010 - 18:00 PDT


Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA) announced today that Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate injection), has now achieved one million patient years of experience in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This analysis is based on internal data submitted annually to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"This milestone underscores the established long-term efficacy and safety of Copaxone® to physicians and patients who rely on the therapy to manage MS," said Kenneth Johnson M.D., professor of neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. "As the treatment landscape evolves, recognizing the importance of demonstrated efficacy and safety, over the long-term, remains paramount. The long-term Copaxone® data accumulated over the years is reassuring given the life-long nature of MS."

"Twenty years ago, we did not know if a safe, effective treatment for MS would be available for patients," said Douglas Franklin President & Chief Executive Officer, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. "The fact that we are able to celebrate the long-term impact of this treatment is something we are thankful for on behalf of MS patients worldwide."

Approved in 1996, Copaxone® was the first, non-interferon treatment for RRMS. A prospective, clinical trial of more than 19 years is still ongoing and its data reinforce the established efficacy and safety profile of Copaxone®.

Laura Kimball, an RRMS patient, who participated in the pivotal study that led to the approval of Copaxone® and continues to be treated in the ongoing prospective study, says, "I believe that addressing my disease early and committing to a continuous therapy has helped me maintain a healthy and active lifestyle." Laura Kimball became a member of Team Copaxone® to share her journey as a person with MS and to inspire other patients.

"Hearing stories about patients benefiting from Copaxone®, reinforces our passion to serve the MS community," said Moshe Manor, Teva's Group Vice President, Global Branded Products. "Teva is committed to the MS community and continues to research new treatment options for MS, as well as invest in product enhancements aimed at improving patient comfort and compliance with Copaxone®."

About Copaxone®

Copaxone® is indicated for the reduction of the frequency of relapses in RRMS, including patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis. The most common side effects of Copaxone® are redness, pain, swelling, itching, or a lump at the site of injection, flushing, rash, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate injection) is now approved in 51 countries worldwide, including the United States, Russia, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Israel, and all European countries. In North America, Copaxone® is marketed by Teva Neuroscience, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA). In Europe, Copaxone® is marketed by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and sanofi-aventis. Copaxone® is a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

See additional important information at http://www.copaxone.com/pi/index.html.

Source
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

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