Immunex to Seek FDA Approval of MS Drug

Immunex Corp. said it will seek FDA approval to sell its chemotherapy treatment Novantrone for use in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. There are no approved treatments for secondary progression MS, a disease characterized by steadily worsening control over limbs, vision and speech. Phase III clinical trials showed Novantrone significantly reduced relapses and progression in patients with secondary progressive MS, Seattle-bassed Immunex said. The application for expanded use of Novantrone comes a week after the Food and Drug Administration approved an application from Immunex, which is majority owned by Madison, N.J.-based American Home Products Corp., to begin marketing Enbrel to patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Immunex stock rose $5.13 to close at $127.75 on Nasdaq. AHP shares rose $1.81 to close at $53.81 on the NYSE.