Phase II ALSTAR trial: Talampanel is safe for ALS patients

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA) today announced results from the Phase II ALSTAR trial. The trial was designed to assess efficacy, safety and tolerability of Talampanel (a selective AMPA antagonist) in reducing disease-related functional deterioration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients. Results indicate that while Talampanel was safe for ALS patients, the study did not meet its primary endpoint.

“Despite our hopes to advance the treatment of this debilitating disease, Talampanel did not succeed in demonstrating the required efficacy, although safety was established”

"Despite our hopes to advance the treatment of this debilitating disease, Talampanel did not succeed in demonstrating the required efficacy, although safety was established," said Moshe Manor, Teva's Group Vice President, Global Branded Products. "Broadening our innovative pipeline - through internal R&D, licensing and other business development activities - is part of our long term strategy. This outcome has no impact on our 2015 innovative goal. We will continue to pursue the development of innovative treatments, focused on the therapeutic areas of neurology, autoimmunity and oncology."