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Title: FDA Approves Azilect (Rasagiline Tablets) for Parkinson's Disease

"FDA Approves Azilect (Rasagiline Tablets) for Parkinson's Disease"

KANSAS CITY, M.O. -- May 17, 2006 -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Azilect(R) (rasagiline tablets), the first once-daily oral treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). The drug is approved for use as initial monotherapy in early PD and as adjunct therapy to levodopa in moderate-to-advanced disease. It is expected to become available later this year in two dosage strengths. "Three placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrated that rasagiline (Azilect(R)) showed positive effects on motor impairments and activities of daily living in early PD and in moderate-to-advanced stage patients, and was well tolerated," said Ira Shoulson, MD, professor of neurology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, and principal investigator of the Parkinson's Study Group TEMPO and PRESTO studies of Azilect(R). Azilect(R) (rasagiline tablets) was approved based on data from three multicenter, multinational, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical studies, known as "(TVP-1012) in Early Monotherapy for Parkinson's Disease Outpatients" (TEMPO), "Parkinson's Rasagiline: Efficacy and Safety in the Treatment of Off" (PRESTO), and "Lasting effect in Adjunct therapy with Rasagiline Given Once daily" (LARGO). The studies, which included more than 1,500 patients, provided statistically significant evidence of efficacy, while also demonstrating good tolerability. Patients who enrolled in the TEMPO trial had early-stage PD and did not require dopaminergic therapy. The PRESTO and LARGO trials included patients with moderate-to-advanced PD who were receiving optimized doses of levodopa, as well as other PD medications, and were still experiencing motor fluctuations. In LARGO, both Azilect(R) and an active comparator were measured against placebo. The TEMPO trial showed early-stage PD patients who received Azilect(R) as monotherapy had better symptom control as measured by total UPDRS* over a 26-week period than those receiving placebo. The PRESTO trial demonstrated a significant incremental benefit of Azilect(R) when added to levodopa treatment and other concomitant PD drugs. In this trial, the amount of "off" time was significantly reduced and motor symptoms were improved compared to placebo. In PD, "off" time is defined as periods of poor overall functioning when the effects of levodopa wear off and symptoms return or are not adequately controlled. Finally, the LARGO trial demonstrated, when added to levodopa therapy and other concomitant PD medications, Azilect(R) reduced "off" time and PD motor symptoms. Additionally, activities of daily living during "off" time were significantly improved by Azilect(R) compared to placebo. "The approval of Azilect(R) (rasagiline tablets) by the FDA represents important news for people with Parkinson's disease," said Dr. Warren Olanow, professor and chairman of the Department of Neurology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "Parkinson's disease patients can now look forward to an effective new treatment option that improves symptoms and offers the simplicity of once-daily dosing without titration and the flexibility of use as monotherapy in early disease or as adjunct therapy to levodopa as the disease progresses." "This is a key milestone for our business, but, more importantly, a significant new treatment option for Parkinson's disease patients and their families," said Larry Downey, president and chief executive officer of Teva Neuroscience, Inc. "The approval of Azilect(R) is another demonstration of our continuing commitment to helping people cope with neurological diseases." Azilect(R) is indicated for the initial treatment of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease either alone or with levodopa. Patients should not take Azilect(R) if they have moderate to severe liver disease, a tumor of the adrenal gland, or if they are currently taking any of the following medications: meperidine, other MAO inhibitors, tramadol, methadone, propoxyphene, dextromethorphan, St. John's wort, antidepressants, mirtazapine, cyclobenzaprine, non-prescription cold remedies containing decongestants, and local anesthetics containing ingredients that raise blood pressure. Caution should be used when Azilect(R) is taken with CYP1A2 inhibitors such as ciprofloxacin. Patients should talk to their doctor about any medications they are currently taking before starting Azilect(R). In order to prevent a dangerous increase in blood pressure when patients are taking Azilect(R), they should avoid tyramine-rich foods and beverages and dietary supplements such as aged cheeses, air-dried meats, pickled herring, yeast extract, aged red wines, tap/draft beers, sauerkraut, and soy sauce. Symptoms of this reaction include severe headache, blurred vision, difficulty thinking, seizures, chest pain, unexplained nausea or vomiting, or symptoms of a stroke. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur. Side effects seen with Azilect(R) (rasagiline tablets) alone are joint pain and indigestion; and when taken with levodopa are uncontrolled movements (dyskinesias), accidental injury, weight loss, low blood pressure when standing, vomiting, joint pain, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, rash, and sleepiness. Be sure to tell your doctor about these and any other side effects you experience when taking Azilect(R). Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the brain. Symptoms can include tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, and impaired balance. An estimated one million Americans have the disease, which usually affects people over the age of 60. The Parkinson's Study Group, which conducted the TEMPO and PRESTO trials, is a non-profit, cooperative group of Parkinson's disease experts from medical centers in the United States and Canada who are dedicated to improving treatment for persons affected by Parkinson's disease. Azilect(R) (rasagiline tablets) is a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. For more information about Azilect(R) call 1-877-4Azilect. *UPDRS is a commonly used rating scale that measures the ability of the patient to perform mental and motor tasks as well as activities of daily living. SOURCE: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

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