Biogen Idec study reveals potential new MS treatment approach

Biogen Idec has published data from a new clinical study showing the potential efficacy of a new treatment approach for multiple sclerosis (MS).

The pharmaceutical company has completed a research project which demonstrates that MS patients can benefit from therapy that inhibits death receptor-6 function by blocking autoimmune response while promoting remyelination.

In vivo and in vitro studies show that this method results in robust axonal remyelination, which could be beneficial for those affecting by MS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Currently, no approved MS treatments target this particular receptor, with the discovery potentially opening the door for various new therapy options.

Douglas Williams, executive vice-president for research and development at Biogen Idec, said: "Biogen Idec is dedicated to driving groundbreaking research and pursuing highly differentiated therapies for the treatment and management of MS and other central nervous system diseases."

Last month, the company was granted approval from the European Commission to update the risk stratification label on its clinically-proven MS drug Tysabri.