Novartis EXPANDs on Phase III MS results

In newly presented data, Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) said secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) candidate siponimod ( BAF312) reduced the risk of three-month confirmed disability progression by 21% compared to placebo (p=0.013), meeting the Phase III EXPAND study's primary endpoint. Novartis said last month that siponimod met the endpoint, but did not provide specific data (see BioCentury Extra, Aug. 25).

Novartis said the compound also significantly improved annualized relapse rate, percent changes in brain volume and change from baseline in volume of T2 lesions compared to placebo. It did not significantly improve change from baseline in the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FW) over placebo. All were secondary endpoints of the 1,651-patient study. ...