Biogen Idec “encouraged” by multiple sclerosis drug trial

Biogen Idec has said it is “encouraged” by the performance of BG-12, a fumarate for use in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), in a phase II trial.

The study involved 257 patients across 10 countries who were randomised to receive either a placebo or different dosages of BG-12. Patients who received the daily 720mg dose saw a 69 per cent reduction in the average number of lesions detected by MRI scans from weeks 12 to 24 of the study. Additionally, the study found that the 720mg displayed a 48 per cent reduction in the number of T2-hyperintense lesions of the brain and a 32 per cent relapse rate in comparison to the placebo.

The results for the 120mg and 360mg doses were not deemed to be statistically significantly different from the placebo.

Burt Adelman, executive vice-president of development at Biogen Idec, remarked: “We are encouraged that these Phase II data demonstrate that BG-12 may be a promising oral therapy to treat MS.”

“As part of our ongoing commitment to MS patients, we are working with regulatory authorities to determine the next steps in the development of this program,” he added.

The most common reported side-effects were nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, flushing and nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nose). Additionally, some patients experienced increased liver enzyme production in comparison to the placebo, but those symptoms receded after using the drug.

Biogen Idec has a history of creating drugs for multiple sclerosis patients. In 2004 they released Tysabri with Elan, the Irish pharmaceuticals company. However, this drug was subsequently withdrawn pending further study. In 1996, Biogen (before its merger with Idec) unveiled Avonex, a beta interferon for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

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