Biogen Idec highlights strong second-quarter performance

Biogen Idec has published its financial results for the second quarter of the current fiscal year, during which it saw a "strong" performance in commercial terms.

The company's reported revenue figure came to $1.2 billion (730.6 million pounds), which was broadly level with the same period of last year, while sales of Tysabri saw a 28 percent increase.

Dr George Scangos, chief executive officer of Biogen Idec, welcomed the progress the company has made on its pipeline developments, such as the EU approval for Fampyra and the new labelling update for Tysabri.

He noted that its development programmes have become more focused in the last quarter, with research now centring on neurology, immunology and haemophilia.

"We continue to focus on execution to insure that we achieve our ambitious goals and continue our positive momentum into the second half of this year," said Dr Scangos.

This follows on from a first quarter that was characterised by strong year-on-year growth, attributed in large part to the progress of its multiple sclerosis product offerings.