CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — An experimental drug for multiple sclerosis produced a noticeable reduction in symptoms of the disease in a late-stage clinical trial, the drug's developer said Friday.

Genzyme, a unit of French drug maker Sanofi, announced results from a phase-3 study of Aubagio (teriflunomide) in patients with relapsing forms of MS. According to the study, patients taking the drug in the 14-mg strength experienced a 36.3% reduction in annualized relapse rates and 31.5% reduction in the risk of sustained accumulation of disability over a 12-week period.

The study enrolled 1,169 patients who received once-daily doses of Aubagio in the 7-mg or 14-mg strength or placebo. After completing the approximately 18-month trial, patients were followed for 48 to 173 weeks.

In the treatment group that received the 7-mg strength of the drug, there was a 22.3% reduction in annualized relapse rate, but no statistically significant difference between the lower dose and placebo for the risk of 12-week sustained accumulation of disability.

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