Biogen Idec launches clinical trial for haemophilia A treatment

Biogen Idec has signalled the launch of a global late-stage clinical trial for its long-lasting recombinant Factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc).

The company, which is working on the new drug with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, said the phase II/III study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the compound in previously-treated haemophilia A patients.

Co-principal investigator Dr John Pasi claimed there is currently an "unmet need" for a therapy that can prolong patients' protection from bleeding while reducing the need for frequent injections.

Biogen Idec confirmed that the first patient in the study, which will be known as A-LONG and involve approximately 150 people in 60 centres around the world, has been dosed.

Peter Edman, chief scientific officer at Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, described rFVIIIFc as "an innovative therapy that offers the potential to make a positive impact in the lives of people with haemophilia A".

The Stockholm-based pharmaceutical company was formed when Biovitrum completed its acquisition of Swedish Orphan in January 2010.