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Teva, Active Biotech Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Misses Primary Goal
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA)said their investigational oral treatment for a relapsing form of multiple
sclerosis added to data demonstrating significant reduction in brain-volume loss and the risk of disability progression.

However, the once-daily treatment--called laquinimod-- failed to meet its primary endpoint of reducing relapses when compared with a placebo in a Phase III study. Still, following a standard adjustment in a predefined sensitivity analysis, the treatment significantly reduced the annualized relapse rate.

The companies plan to submit the treatment for regulatory approval in the U.S. and European Union. Teva acquired in 2004 the exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize laquinimod with the exception of in the Nordic and Baltic countries, where Active Biotech retained the rights, according to Teva's website.

Teva's American depositary shares closed Friday at $46.64 and were halted premarket.

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110801-706781.html