Biogen Idec reports phase II daclizumab results

Biogen Idec, in conjunction with PDL Biopharma, has announced the results of a phase II clinical trial investigating the administration of dazclizumab in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) who are being treated with interferon beta.

The company reports that the trial met its primary endpoint, with patients receiving subcutaneous 2 mg/kg doses of the compound fortnightly exhibiting a reduction in the number of enlarged or new gadolinium-contrast-enhancing lesions (Gd-CELs) by the 24th week of treatment.

Daclizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody. The compound inhibits the binding of IL-2 to prevent cascading pro-inflammatory events relating to autoimmune diseases and organ transplant rejection by binding onto the IL-2 receptor on activated T cells.

Mark A McCamish, chief medical officer at PDL Biopharma, said: “We are very pleased to see positive results from the first randomised trial of daclizumab in patients with relapsing MS and we look forward to advancing the clinical development programme with our partners and acknowledged leader in the MS field, Biogen Idec.”

He added that the company planned to continue with its development of the compound, including the start of the Select trial investigating the use of daclizumab as a single agent in patients with relapsing MS.

In July 2006, Biogen Idec and Elan announced the US launch of Tysabri (natalizumab) for the treatment of relapsing MS.