Analysts applaud positive MS data for Merck KGaA drug

Analysts were juggling a new set of positive data about the efficacy of Merck KGaA's cladribine--a potential blockbuster which would be the first oral drug for multiple sclerosis, if approved--against safety concerns about a small number of cancer cases reported among the study group.

Their verdict: Good overall but worries remain whether the cancer cases will get in the way of an approval. Germany's Merck plans to file for an approval in Europe and the U.S. in a few months. Analysts believe that sales could break the $1 billion mark.

MS patients taking the drug in the late-stage study were less likely to become disabled and the drug cut the risk of lesions.

"We are very encouraged by this positive side-effect profile, leading to a good efficacy risk balance for patients eagerly awaiting a short-course oral treatment," Elmar Schnee, a member of the Merck executive board, told Reuters. Merck KGaA is in a race with Novartis to gain an approval for an oral MS therapy.

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