Biogen Idec and Genentech amend MS research agreement

Biogen Idec has amended the terms of its ongoing research partnership with Roche subsidiary Genentech into a new means of treating multiple sclerosis (MS).

The two firms have agreed to assume new responsibilities in their collaborative work into antibody-based MS treatments targeting CD20, in a move that allows them to maximise revenues and deliver better results.

Under the terms of the amended agreement, Genentech will take 100 percent responsibility for funding and developing ocrelizumab against MS, with Biogen Idec receiving royalties for product sales.

At the same time, Biogen Idec will accept an increased share of the losses and profits related to the development and commercialisation of the treatment GA101, while accepting a lower share of the eventual co-promotion profits.

Dr George Scangos, chief executive officer at Biogen Idec, said: "Our partnership with Genentech and Roche is very important to us and I believe this agreement is in the interests of both companies and patients."

Last week, Biogen Idec reported positive data from a new study of an anti-JC virus assay with potential applications in MS treatment.