Biogen Idec reports positive trial results for new MS treatment

Biogen Idec's new multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy BG-12 has demonstrated a positive performance in a phase III clinical trial.

The compound, which has been fast-tracked for approval in the US, was evaluated as a monotherapy in relapsing-remitting MS patients during the Define study, which is the first of two pivotal phase III trials being conducted for the drug.

It was shown that BG-12 was able to deliver statistically significant reductions in relapse rates after two years when compared to placebo, while also helping to reduce the spread of lesions and disability progression.

Dr Douglas Williams, Biogen Idec's executive vice-president of research and development, said: "The significant clinical responses seen in the Define study represent an important step forward in the development of BG-12 for MS."

The second phase III trial of the drug, entitled Confirm, is currently underway and will produce results in the second half of this year.

Last month, the company began enrolment for a new global phase III study of the investigational compound dexpramipexole, a therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.