Global pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS, NYSE: BMY) has announced the market launch in China of Zeposia (ozanimod), the world’s first selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator indicated for the treatment of recurrent multiple sclerosis (MS). This includes clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
Mode of Action and Therapeutic Potential of Ozanimod
Ozanimod has the ability to moderately inhibit lymphocyte migration and reduce the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood. While the exact mechanism of its therapeutic effect on multiple sclerosis is not completely understood, it is believed to be related to the reduction of lymphocyte migration to the central nervous system. This innovative drug stands out as the world’s first S1P receptor modulator to be approved for the treatment of both multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis (UC).
Regulatory Approvals and Global Availability
Zeposia received approval in the US for MS and UC in March 2020 and May 2021, respectively, and in the European Union for the same indications in May 2020 and November 2021. The launch of Zeposia in China marks a significant expansion of access to this groundbreaking therapy for patients with MS, offering a new treatment option that has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the frequency of relapses and disease progression.-Fineline Info & Tech
