Novartis' siponimod clears Phase III hurdle in MS

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) said siponimod ( BAF312) met the primary endpoint in the Phase III EXPAND study to treat secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Compared to placebo, daily 2 mg doses of oral siponimod led to significantly lower risk of three-month confirmed disability progression as evaluated by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in the 1,651-patient study.

Novartis plans to present the EXPAND data next month at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) meeting. ...