CFTY720D2399 a possible treatment for MS extension study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A single arm, open-label, multicenter study evaluating the long-term safety and tolerability of 0.5 mg fingolimod (FTY720) administered orally once daily in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis

  • IRAS ID

    58716

  • Contact name

    Richard Leaback

  • Sponsor organisation

    Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd

  • Eudract number

    2010-020515-37

  • ISRCTN Number

    not available

  • Research summary

    Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling disease of the Central Nervous System (brain and nerves of the spinal cord) in young adults.The cause of MS is unknown. It is an autoimmune disease, where the white blood cells (lymphocytes) start to attack the nerves and parts of the brain.There are several types of MS the most common type is known as relapsing remitting MS (RRMS). Patients with RRMS have repeated acute episodes of neurological symptoms (relapses), which are followed by a complete or partial recovery (remission).Fingolimod (FTY720 the study drug) is a possible new treatment for MS. It is taken once daily as a tablet. Fingolimod acts on the white bloods cells responsible for immune reactions and make cells move away from the sites of inflammation. The white blood cells are redirected to the lymph nodes and other places where they normally rest. Previous studies with fingolimod showed a significant decrease in the number of relapses per patient.The main purpose of this extension study is to measure how safe and well tolerated fingolimod is in the long-term.Each patient who signs consent and meets inclusion criteria, will undergo examinations to determine that they are eligible to join the study. All patients who enter the study will receive active study medication.Each patient will visit the clinic every three months (minimum).

  • REC name

    North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    10/H0904/49

  • Date of REC Opinion

    27 Sep 2010

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion