Teva: Lou Gehrig’s disease treatment trial did not meet endpoints

JERUSALEM An investigational drug made by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries was not effective in patients with Lou Gehrig’s disease, according to results of a mid-stage clinical trial announced Monday.

Teva said the 559-patient phase 2 “ALSTAR” study showed the drug talampanel to be safe, but not effective in patients with the disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lou Gehrig’s disease is a degenerative motor neuron disease that leads to paralysis and death, usually within three to five years of onset.

“Despite our hopes to advance the treatment of this debilitating disease, talampanel did not succeed in demonstrating the required efficacy, although safety was established,” Teva group VP global branded products Moshe Manor said. “Broadening our innovative pipeline – through internal R&D, licensing and other business development activities – is part of our long-term strategy.”