Laquinimod, a new oral autoimmune modulator for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Laquinimod, a second-generation quinoline-3-carboxamide, is being developed by Active Biotech AB and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd for the treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Laquinimod has demonstrated significant activity in suppressing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of RRMS. In phase I and II clinical trials, the drug was well tolerated, with some hints of efficacy in small numbers of patients with RRMS. While the mechanism of action of the drug is unknown, it likely involves Th1 to Th2/Th3 immune deviation, promotion of the synthesis and release of neurotrophic factors, and other possible neuroprotective effects. Two phase III clinical trials are ongoing and, if successful, will lead to the approval of the first oral immunomodulatory drug for suppressing multiple sclerosis disease activity.