Biogen Idec submits European application for Fampridine-PR tablets

Biogen Idec has submitted a marketing authorisation application to the European Medicines Agency regarding its Fampridine Prolonged Release (Fampridine-PR) tablets.

The novel oral therapy is being suggested for the improvement of walking abilities in adult patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

It is also being considered for the same indication in Canada.

Two separate phase III placebo-controlled studies showed the effectiveness of Fampridine-PR tablets in improving the walking ability of MS patients with relapsing remitting, secondary progressive, progressive relapsing and primary progressive versions of the condition.

Alfred Sandrock, senior vice-president of neurology research and development at Biogen Idec, said: “Fampridine-PR tablets may offer a novel approach to address this debilitating aspect of the disease by improving the walking ability of MS patients.”

Earlier this week, Biogen Idec announced the recruitment of a new executive vice-president of global commercial operations – Francesco Granata – who has previously worked at Schering-Plough, Pharmacia and Pfizer.