Biogen Idec MS drug ‘exceeds expectations’

Biogen Idec and its drug development partner, Genentech, have said that the results of a phase II trial for Rituxan, a new treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), have “exceeded expectations”.

The study was designed to measure the reduction of the number of gadolinium-enhancing T1 brain lesions, observed through MRI scans.

Biogen Idec announced that the trial met its primary endpoint in reducing the prevalence of these brain lesions by a statistically-significant margin in 104 patients.

Additionally, Rituxan users experienced similar rates of adverse events and serious side-effects to those patients receiving the placebo.

Hal Barron, Genentech’s senior vice-president of development and chief medical officer, said: “These initial results exceeded our expectations. Showing a significant benefit at 24 weeks in this small phase II trial supports our hypothesis that selective B-cell targeted therapy may play an important role in the treatment of MS.”

Dr Alfred Sandrock, senior vice-president of neurology research and development at Biogen Idec, added: “Biogen Idec is committed to offering multiple options for people living with MS, a devastating disease. We are very encouraged by these data and look forward to learning more about the potential of Rituxan as a therapy to treat MS.”

Biogen Idec, along with Irish company Elan, also manufactures Tysabri, a relatively new treatment for RRMS. The drug was withdrawn temporarily because two patients developed a rare and fatal brain infection after using the drug.

However, it has now been reintroduced following further safety testing, to the satisfaction of charities like MSIreland, which welcomed the European Commission’s decision to allow the reintroduction of the drug.

© Adfero Ltd