Biogen Idec publishes positive data for anti-JCV assay

Biogen Idec has published data from a number of clinical studies that highlights the potential benefits of a new assay product for detecting anti-JC virus (JCV) antibodies in plasma or serum.

The company attended the recent European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis congress, where it gave a number of presentations on the enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay in conjunction with development partner Elan.

Results from the studies showed the assay's effectiveness has been validated by a number of laboratories.

Biogen Idec states that the assay can play a key role in segmenting multiple sclerosis patients who may be at risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, in order to assess their suitability for Tysabri treatment.

Dr Alfred Sandrock, senior vice-president of neurology research and development at Biogen Idec, said: "When treating a debilitating chronic disease such as multiple sclerosis, patient safety is of the utmost importance."

Other data presented by the company at the medical congress included phase III trial results for drugs such as daclizumab and PEGylated interferon beta-1a.