http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/981124/pa_rpr_cli_1.html
Company Press Release
SOURCE: Rhone-Poulenc Rorer
International Clinical Trial Focuses on New Approach
To the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
COLLEGEVILLE, Pa., and ANTONY, France, Nov. 24, 1998 /PRNewswire/ --
Rhone-Poulenc Rorer (RPR), a global pharmaceutical subsidiary of
Rhone-Poulenc S.A. (NYSE: RP - news) today announced the start of a
large Phase III clinical trial using Rilutek® (riluzole) tablets in
persons with recent, untreated symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
``We are conducting this trial to determine whether Rilutek is
effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and whether it will
slow the progression of the disease,'' said Dr. Gary T. Shearman, Deputy
Head of Research and Development and Senior VicePresident, Development
at RPR. ``Currently available drugs for Parkinson's disease only treat
the symptoms. The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is rising with the
growth in the over-60 population. A drug that slows the progression of
the disease could have an important impact on public health and quality
of life.''
This study will enroll more than 1,000 patients at over 120 locations
worldwide, in Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Spain,
Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, and the United States.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), four million people
worldwide suffer from Parkinson's disease. The average age of onset is
60 years, although approximately 10 percent of patients experience onset
prior to age 40. Parkinson's disease occurs because of the death of
nerve cells that produce dopamine, a brain chemical. Although the
symptoms vary, the most frequent initial signs of Parkinson's disease
are tremor, rigidity and slowness (known as bradykinesia). Parkinson's
disease is a progressive condition that worsens over time and the rate
of progression is highly variable.
A New Approach to Parkinson Therapy
Levodopa (L-dopa) is the standard treatment for Parkinson's disease.
However, the effects of levodopa diminish over time. Therefore, patients
with Parkinson's disease often take multiple drugs to control their
symptoms.
Results obtained in experimental Parkinson's disease models suggest
that riluzole could have a neuroprotective effect in Parkinson patients.
The exact mechanism of action of riluzole is unknown. In 1995, riluzole
was approved in the U.S. for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Riluzole has been approved
for treatment of ALS in 45 countries. The most common side effects of
riluzole seen in ALS patients are asthenia (fatigue), nausea, and
elevated liver enzymes.
SOURCE: Rhone-Poulenc Rorer
--
Judith Richards, London, Ontario, Canada
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