EU recommends approval for new Rebif

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dignan
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EU recommends approval for new Rebif

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I'm always surprised how long it takes for this kind of approval. Hopefully regulatory agencies around the world will follow suit quickly...of course the increased incidence of flu-like symptoms with the new formula has me a bit concerned...



New Formulation of Rebif(R) Designed to Improve Tolerability and Immunogenicity Profiles

Merck Serono announced today that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has issued a positive opinion recommending marketing authorization of a new formulation of Rebif(R) (interferon beta-1a) for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). The new formulation of Rebif(R) has been developed to increase treatment benefit by improving injection tolerability and reducing immunogenicity.

"The CHMP recommendation for the new formulation of Rebif(R) is encouraging news for patients with multiple sclerosis in Europe", said Anthony Coombs, Head of Global Therapeutic Area Neurology at Merck Serono. "While Rebif(R) is well established in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, this new formulation demonstrates our commitment to the further development of products that enhance the convenience and tolerability of treatments for patients with multiple sclerosis".

The CHMP reviews drug applications for all 27 countries in the European Union(1) as well as Iceland and Norway. The CHMP recommendation will now be considered by the European Commission, which will deliver its final decision on the granting of the marketing authorization.

Rebif(R), which was originally approved in Europe in 1998, has been proven effective on the following three key measures of treatment effectiveness: MRI lesion area and activity, relapse rates, and disability progression. The safety and efficacy of Rebif(R) are supported by a robust long-term clinical development program including comparative studies and 13 years of patient experience from around the world.

"Merck Serono's efforts over the years to continuously provide enhanced therapeutic solutions for patients with multiple sclerosis are commendable," said Professor Per Soelberg Sørensen, from the Danish MS Research Center, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet. "Clinical trial data show that the new formulation of Rebif offers promising improvements which could translate into additional benefits to the patient."

One-year (48-week) data from an ongoing two-year (96-week) Phase III study of the new formulation of Rebif(R) were presented at the 17th Meeting of the European Neurological Society (ENS), in Rhodes, Greece(2). The data showed that the rate of injection-site reactions in patients with MS who received the new formulation of Rebif(R) over one year was three times lower when compared with historical data from previous trials. The data also showed that 13.9% of patients treated with the new formulation of Rebif(R) had neutralizing antibodies after one year treatment. The results at one year showed that patients who tested positive for neutralizing antibodies at both the 24 and 48-week timepoints represented 2.5% of the patients. The most frequent side effect was flu-like syndrome, which is typical of interferon therapy. Flu-like syndrome tends to be most prominent at the initiation of therapy, is relatively easy to treat and decreases in frequency with continued treatment.

The new formulation of Rebif(R) has been developed in the same strengths and pharmaceutical forms as currently registered, i.e. 8.8, 22 and 44 mcg, as a solution for injection in pre-filled syringes. This new formulation originates from an innovative approach, using state-of-the-art technologies. It is the latest of many product developments from Merck Serono to continuously enhance the convenience and tolerability of Rebif(R). Other enhancements have included the Rebiject II auto-injector to facilitate injections; a 29 gauge-5 bevel needle pre-filled syringe, the thinnest needle in a ready-to-use pre-filled syringe for the treatment of MS; and a titration pack designed to make starting on Rebif(R) therapy easier and more convenient.

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Post by scoobyjude »

Good to hear this finally. Thanks Dignan
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dignan
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Post by dignan »

New formulation approved in the EU. Let's hope the rest of the world's regulators quickly follow suit.



Germany's Merck says EU approves new Rebif version

Aug 30, 2007 - Reuters - German drug maker Merck's Merck Serono unit won European Commission approval to market a new formulation of its Rebif drug to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis, the company said on Thursday.

The new Rebif has been designed to be better tolerated when injected, Merck said in a statement.

The marketing authorisation covers all 27 European Union countries, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, Merck said, adding that the drug would be launched in various EU countries starting next month.

"This new formulation will represent an improvement in the therapy of MS patients being treated with Rebif," said Per Soelberg Soerensen, of the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre at Copenhagen University Hospital, in the statement.

http://www.reuters.com/article/health-S ... 2620070830
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