Biogen Idec to publish new MS pipeline research data

Biogen Idec will be presenting data at a forthcoming medical conference highlighting its progress in the development of several multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs.

The company will be involved in more than 45 presentations at the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis congress in Gothenburg, with many pertaining to licensed treatments such as Tysabri and Avonex.

Further studies will focus on some of Biogen Idec's late-stage developmental products, including prolonged-release fampridine tablets, a treatment designed to improve walking speed among MS sufferers.

Other presentations will relate to the phase III-stage drugs daclizumab and PEGylated interferon beta-1a, as well as PG-12, which will begin phase III testing in 2011.

Dr John Richert, vice-president and senior fellow for neurology research and development at Biogen Idec, said: "We are not resting on our laurels and will continue to work tirelessly until we find a cure for this disease."

In August 2010, the company announced a new partnership with Knopp Biosciences over the development of KNS-760704, a new treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.