Solstice's Myobloc impresses in cervical dystonia study

Pennsylvania, USA-based biopharmaceutical firm Solstice Neurosciences says that data from a forced-dose escalation study of Myobloc (botulinum toxin type B) indicates the drug's potential as a treatment for cervical dystonia. The findings, which were announced at the 11th International Congress of the Movement Disorder Society in the Turkish capital Istanbul, were from the first trial to examine three different dosages of the compound in this indication.

During the study, 145 patients with previous experience of neurotoxin-based therapy were provided with three escalating doses of the drug (10,000 units, 12,500 units and 15,000 units). Efficacy measurements, according to the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale, were taken at baseline, week two and every four weeks thereafter.

Eric Pappert, assistant professor of neurology and director of the Parkinson's Disorders program at the University of Texas, said that many patients demonstrated therapeutic benefits as early as week two of the program. Prof Pappert added that escalating doses of the drug were well tolerated, and that no treatment-related adverse events had been reported.