Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc has completed enrollment of its 189-patient, Phase 2 clinical study for the use of Micellar Paclitaxel in the treatment of patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). To date, there have been no drug-related serious adverse events reported in the patients enrolled in the nine-month study.

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study is being conducted at nine centers across Canada. The primary objective of the study is to determine the difference in new lesion activity in the Micellar Paclitaxel treatment groups relative to the control group during the treatment phase as demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients are receiving placebo or Micellar Paclitaxel at 50 mg/m2 or 75 mg/m2 every four weeks for a total of six doses (with a 12-week follow-up period).

"This major milestone has been completed in a timely manner and we are very proud of this accomplishment. We are hopeful that our Micellar Paclitaxel therapy will improve the quality of life for a group of patients with few treatment options," said Donald E. Longenecker, Angiotech's president and COO.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and progressive disease, with debilitating neurological symptoms occurring over a period of several years. Although the disease does not result in early death, it disables patients by disturbing vision, strength, balance and sensation, as well as causing fatigue and cognitive problems. The estimated 2000 U.S. treatment market for all MS patients is US$704 million.