June 2, 2004
The Associated Press
Abbott Laboratories began a Phase II study to evaluate the effectiveness of its experimental drug ABT-874 on treating brain lesions caused by multiple sclerosis, the company said today.
The drug is an antibody designed to eliminate a protein that causes inflammation and is found in lesions that are symptomatic of multiple sclerosis, a disease affecting the central nervous system.
"We are optimistic that treatment with an IL-12 antibody may benefit patients suffering from autoimmune diseases like MS," James B. Lefkowith, Abbott Immunology's vice president of development. "MS is a debilitating disease, and we look forward to exploring the potential of ABT-874 as part of our continued immunology development program."
The 48-week study includes patients in the United States and Europe.
Copyright © 2004, The Associated Press