Biogen reports positive trial data for spinal muscular atrophy therapy

Biogen has announced new clinical data that demonstrates the benefits its drug Spinraza can offer in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

An interim analysis of CHERISH, the phase III study evaluating the drug in later-onset SMA, has shown that Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals' new therapy was able to meet its primary efficacy endpoint.

Children receiving Spinraza experienced a highly statistically significant improvement in motor function compared to those who did not receive treatment, with the drug also demonstrating a favourable safety profile.

Based on these positive findings, the CHERISH study will be stopped and participants will be able to transition into the SHINE open-label extension study, allowing all of them to receive Spinraza.

Dr Michael Ehlers, executive vice-president and head of research and development at Biogen, said: "We will make regulators around the globe aware of this data and will continue working closely with them to bring Spinraza to families affected by SMA as quickly as possible."

Spinraza is currently being assessed by regulators in both the US and the EU. Its US launch is planned for the end of 2016 or the first quarter of 2017.

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