The FDA has approved Merck’s oral tablet Mavenclad (cladribine) for relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Merck tested Mavenclad in a placebo-controlled trial of 1,326 individuals. Patients in the Mavenclad group suffered significantly fewer relapses compared to those in the placebo group, and their diseases progressed much more slowly.

The agency is recommending the potent drug only for patients who have not been able to get relief from other treatments.