Biogen Idec reports positive Avonex data

Biogen Idec has announced positive results of the Assurance trial of Avonex (interferon beta-1a IM) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

The company said individuals taking the drug for up to 15 years showed reduced disability progression and improved quality of life.

According to the study results, patients taking the compound for over three years showed significantly lower expanded disability scale scores (EDSS) and lower disability to progression to EDSS milestones four, six and seven.

They also had greater quality of life as measured by the SF-36 physical component score and greater sense of independence in self care.

Robert Bermel, of the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research at the Cleveland Clinic, said: “As a physician, my goal in treating my MS patients is to delay disability progression and help them maintain their normal lifestyle for as long as possible.”

He added that this follow-up study showed a group of patients who benefited from long-term treatment and underlined the importance of using an effective therapy for the condition.

In July 2008, Biogen Idec published its financial results for the second quarter of the year, reporting a 14 per cent rise in sales of Avonex to $257 million (140.4 million pounds).