Biogen Idec and Sobi report positive data for haemophilia drug

Biogen Idec and partner Sobi have presented positive new findings from a study of their long-lasting recombinant factor IX candidate Alprolix.

Data from the phase III B-LONG study has demonstrated the drug's efficacy in reducing the number of acute bleeding episodes among haemophilia B patients, both under normal circumstances and in perioperative settings.

Meanwhile, analysis of a population pharmacokinetics model developed for Alprolix demonstrated that it was able to accurately predict peak and trough factor IX activity levels achieved in the B-LONG study across a variety of dose specifications.

Dr Glenn Pierce, senior vice-president of global medical affairs and chief medical officer of Biogen Idec’s haemophilia division, said: "The data presented today supports the potential of the therapy to reduce the frequency of prophylactic infusions for patients with haemophilia B."

Further information from B-LONG presented earlier this year also revealed that the drug can help to control bleeding with fewer injections than the current standard of care.