Biogen Idec and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum instigate haemophilia B investigation

Biogen Idec, along with its research partner Swedish Orphan Biovitrum has revealed the opening of an investigation into the Haemophilia B therapy rFIXIc.

The treatment will be investigated for its ability to stem bleeding in patients suffering from severe cases of the disease and will involve 75 previously treated individuals.

Entitled B-LONG, the registrational, open-label, multicentre trial is designed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of the recombinant Factor IX Fc fusion protein.

Glenn Pierce, vice-president and chief medical officer of Biogen Idec’s haemophilia therapeutic area, said: “We are excited that rFIXFc is the first long-acting Factor IX therapy to enter registrational trials. We are making important progress in our efforts to develop a treatment that can make a difference.”

In other company news, the firm announced this week that AMPYRA (dalfampridine) – its therapy designed to improve the walking capabilities of patients with multiple sclerosis – has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.