Biogen MS study meets target

Biogen and Fumapharm have announced their Phase II study into a new multiple sclerosis (MS) drug has reached its endpoint.

The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BG-12, an oral fumarate, in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.

The companies announced that initial results show BG-12 leads to “a statistically significant reduction” in the total number of gadolinium-enhancing brain lesions caused by MS after six months of treatment, as compared with a placebo.

Trials took place in at centres in 10 countries throughout Europe involving around 250 patients.

Fumapharm, based in Lucerne, Switzerland, has licensed exclusive worldwide rights to develop and market BG-12 to the US firm Biogen, which specialises in oncology, neurology and immunology.

Multiple sclerosis leads to nerve damage and loss of motor function in patients as the brain’s messages are impeded while travelling through the body.

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