This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I know that some MS patients are using GA QOD dosing and are having
success with it. The bottom line is that Im glad to hear these patients are
doing well.

Copaxone QOD 20 mg dosing is not approved by the FDA, and should be
considered off-label use. I know that Teva is working on different
formulations to reduce the dosing interval. As to why the QD regimen was
chosen in the first place, the initial early animal and clinical trial data
indicated that the 20mg once a day dose was effective so this was utilized
in subsequent larger Phase III trials (these are now known as the "Pivotal
trials" as they were used by the FDA to establish GA's indication in RRMS).

I am aware of 2 publications (referenced below) that provide some insight
into Copaxone QOD dosing. This data is from an open-label, uncontrolled,
moderate-sized group of patients so should be interpreted given these
parameters. The other publication is in abstract form only. Please note:

Fletcher S, Kott E, Steiner-Birmanns B, et al. Copolymer 1 (glatiramer
acetate) in relapsing
forms of multiple sclerosis: open multicenter study of alternate-day
administration. Clin
Neuropharmacol. 2002;25(1):11-15.

Flechter S, Vardi J, Rabey JM: Comparison of efficacy between glatiramer
acetate and
Interferon b-1b in multiple sclerosis patients (MSpts): A two-year
follow-up study. Neurology
1999 Apr;52(Suppl 2):A497. (Abstract)

Again, Im happy to hear these patients are doing well. I believe this
gives impetus for more robust studies to confirm the small trial and
anecdotal findings thus far.