Teva Pharmaceuticals's Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) has been recommended for approval in the UK for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
A spokeswoman for Teva UK told The Journal on June 6 that the company expected to receive formal approval within the next few weeks in time for a UK launch in the autumn.
Glatiramer acetate represents a new class of immunomodulators for use in MS and is the only non-interferon agent for the treatment of RRMS, says the company. Its mode of action has not been defined, although it is thought to involve inhibition of lymphocyte migration.
Commenting on the recommendation, Professor Lance Blumhardt (professor of neurology, University of Nottingham) said: "Glatiramer acetate represents a significant addition to treatment options for people with RRMS. It also offers an important choice for people who fail with beta interferons or who cannot tolerate their side effects."
Glatiramer acetate has been approved in the US since December, 1996. It is currently given by subcutaneous injection, but Teva says that an oral formulation is being developed.