To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Provigil Reduces Fatigue In MS And Other Disorders URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1581CE.htm Doctor's Guide January 14, 2000
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- January 14, 2000 -- Cephalon, Inc. president and chief executive officer, Frank Baldino, Jr., Ph.D., reported positive new findings from recently completed clinical studies with the company's flagship product, Provigil(R) (modafinil) Tablets [C-IV]. The company currently markets Provigil in several countries, including the United States, for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with narcolepsy. In remarks delivered to investors attending Hambrecht & Quist's 18th Annual Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, Dr. Baldino reported that data from a 72-patient, placebo-controlled multiple sclerosis (MS) fatigue study showed that 200 mg of Provigil reduced fatigue in patients. As measured by several validated fatigue rating scales, this reduction was statistically significant. Approximately 80 percent of the 250,000-350,000 people with MS experience fatigue; in many patients, fatigue may be the most prominent and disabling symptom. Cephalon may conduct additional studies of Provigil in patients with MS fatigue later this year. In another trial, data from a placebo-controlled simulated shift work study in 16 individuals indicated that 200 mg of Provigil promoted alertness and improved performance as measured by several validated scales. These data were statistically significant. Because shift workers typically work during the night, they often experience a disruption in their sleep/wake cycle, which can lead to impaired performance. Sleep/wake cycle disruptions interfere with the body's internal biological clock that regulates several important cellular processes, including sleep. According to the U.S Department of Labor, approximately fourteen million Americans are shift workers. In these studies, the most frequently reported side effects potentially attributable to the drug were nervousness, nausea, dry mouth, headache, and diarrhea, which were consistent with the side effects observed in the company's narcolepsy clinical trials. Clinical investigators are expected to report results of these studies at appropriate medical meetings later this year. Cephalon is currently conducting a large-scale study of Provigil in adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, if successful, will begin a clinical program to test Provigil in children with ADHD. In addition, the company is conducting clinical studies with Provigil in patients with EDS resulting from sleep disorders or fatigue associated with certain neurological diseases. Provigil is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to improve wakefulness in patients with EDS associated with narcolepsy. The most common side effects associated with Provigil in treating EDS associated with narcolepsy include nausea, infection, nervousness, anxiety and insomnia. Related Links: Cephalon Inc. and Provigil. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.