Will a three time per week Copaxone improve adherence? #MSBlog #MSResearch
Teva announced last week that the FDA has approved its new drug application for a three-times-a-week Copaxone 40mg/mL, which is a new dose. This new formulation will allow for a less frequent dosing. The old daily Copaxone 20 mg/mL will continue to be available.
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| COPAXONE (glatiramer acetate) Injection 40mg/mL |
Data from the Phase III Glatiramer Acetate Low-Frequency Administration (GALA) study of more than 1400 patients showed that a 40 mg/mL dose of GA administered subcutaneously three-times-a-week significantly reduced relapse rates at 12 months and demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
Click here to read Teva's press release
"Is this a real innovation? Most cynics will say this is just a ploy to extend the patent protection and to protect Copaxone's market share. There are a large number of GA biosimilars on trial at the moment that are all being tested using a daily formulation. The 3x weekly formulation will keep the Barbarians or generic competition outside the gates for a few more years. The irony of this statement is that Teva is the biggest generic manufacturer in the world. In Pharma speak the 3x per week formulation is called lifecycle management. Leaving the cynicism behind for MSers on GA who are doing well having to inject yourself 3x a week will help. Fewer injections must be better. I would be interested in knowing if this would affect adherence? Paradoxically adherence may fall on the 3x per week formulation. Why? It is easier to remember a daily injection compared to 3 injections per week."
CoI: multiple