FDAnews
www.fdanews.com/articles/80966-genzyme-schering-suspend-campath-dosing-in-ms-trial

GENZYME, SCHERING SUSPEND CAMPATH DOSING IN MS TRIAL

September 16, 2005

Genzyme and Schering AG have reported interim results for a Phase II trial comparing their proposed drug Campath to Rebif for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Rebif is made by Pfizer and Serono.

The companies said the data after one year "showed a large treatment effect" in favor of Campath but it also showed that three confirmed cases of severe idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura occurred. This news prompted the suspension of dosing with Campath in the trial, Genzyme and Schering said. The companies plan to work closely with regulatory authorities and clinical investigators to manage patient safety, and they will continue to prepare to initiate a Phase III trial. Campath continues to be available for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.