Sanofi Genzyme said data from the Phase III TOPIC study on the effects of Aubagio (teriflunomide) on cortical gray matter atrophy was presented at the 69th annual meeting of the lAmerican Academy of Neurology (AAN).
The study evaluated Aubagio versus a placebo in patients with a first clinical episode suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS), Sanofi Genzyme said in a release. By using Aubagio early, researchers were seeking information whether the medication could prevent or delay the onset of clinically definite MS (CDMS).
The clinical trial showed that patients receiving Aubagio in doses of 14 mg and 7 mg saw reduced levels of cortical gray matter atrophy and were less likely to develop CDMS than those receiving the placebo, the release said.
“Accelerated cortical gray matter atrophy can be evident from the earliest stages of MS, which highlights the need for early intervention,” University of Buffalo Professor of Neurology Robert Zivadinov said in the release. “Pathologic changes in gray matter are recognized as important contributors to disease worsening in MS, and strong predictors of potential future disability and impaired cognitive function. The data being presented at AAN demonstrating that Aubagio slowed the rate of cortical atrophy in patients showing early signs of MS are very promising.”
