Teriflunomide

Parent company: Sanofi-aventis.

Oral tablet taken daily.

Works as an immunomodulator, affecting T-cell synthesis.

Related to a type of drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Phase II trial, with both RRMS patients and SPMS patients with relapses, evaluated two dose levels versus placebo.

Trial results included significantly fewer enhancing lesions in the treated groups and a lower relapse rate; high-dose group had fewer patients experience an increase in disability (versus the placebo group) and a trend toward more relapse-free patients; treatment was well tolerated.

Two, Phase II studies are in progress; one adds Teriflunomide to the treatment regimen of patients taking interferon; the other study adds Teriflunomide to the treatment regimen of patients taking Copaxone.

Phase III study is in progress.