Biogen Idec announces presentation of MS drug trial data

Bigen Idec has presented the results of a one-year trial of its multiple sclerosis treatment Avonex (Interferon beta-la) at the annual meeting of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.

The results of the trial reveal that the compound is cost-effective compared to other interferon beta treatments for MS, with the lowest costs to a health plan over the first year.

Researchers in the study analysed the influence of a variety of factors affecting the cost of MS treatment for 10,622 patients, including clinical, demographic and administrative aspects.

Michael Pollock, vice-president of global health economics at Biogen Idec, said; “MS is a disease that can have an impact beyond its debilitating effect on patients.

“Cost-effectiveness is an increasingly important factor in treating chronic diseases like MS.”

He added that the analysis showed that Avonex is capable of lowering the cost of care for MS patients when compared to those being treated with other interferon beta therapies.

Last month, Biogen Idec and PDL BioPharma announced the results of a phase II trial investigating the administration of daclizumab in patients with relapsing MS being treated with interferon beta.

The study showed that patients given the compound showed a measurable reduction in the number of enlarged or new gadolinium-contrast-enhancing lesions at 24 weeks after the initiation of treatment.