By Tess Stynes
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA, TEVA.TV ) said its
multiple-sclerosis treatment administered three times a week
reduced the annual relapse rate by more than 34% compared with a
placebo in a one-year clinical trial.
In the study, patients received injections of glatiramer acetate
three times a week, which the company said represented a more
convenient dosing regimen that current products. The dose was
double the amount in Teva's current Copaxone treatment.
The Israel-based pharmaceutical company said further analyses of
the study data are continuing and the company plans to work with
health authorities to determine the next steps.
The world's biggest manufacturer of generic drugs last month
lowered its guidance for 2012 on reduced expectations for generic
drug sales in the U.S. and Europe, as well as softer sales of some
branded offerings.
Teva in May also reported its first-quarter profit jumped 41%,
as strong sales in the U.S. and emerging markets offset a weak
performance in Europe.
The company's American depositary shares were up 26 cents at
$38.80 in recent premarket trading.
Write to Tess Stynes at Tess.Stynes@dowjones.com