Biogen Idec and Isis to develop myotonic dystrophy treatment

Biogen Idec has allied with Isis Pharmaceuticals on a new project to create a novel antisense drug for the treatment of myotonic dystrophy type 1, also known as Steinert disease.

The exclusive worldwide option and collaboration agreement will see Isis receive an upfront payment of $12 million (7.65 million pounds) for the discovery of a lead compound, with additional fees dependent on its ongoing clinical development progress.

Steinert disease is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in adults and is characterised by progressive muscle atrophy, weakness and disabling muscle spasms.

The new programme aims to tackle the underlying genetic cause of the disease, following on from Biogen Idec and Isis' agreement to pursue a similar research project focusing on spinal muscular atrophy earlier this year.

Steven Holtzman, executive vice-president of corporate development at Biogen Idec, said: "This collaboration, which is our second with Isis, reflects the tremendous respect we have for their scientific leadership and expertise in antisense technology."

Last month, the company stated that new research programmes and collaborations are key to the fulfilment of its strategic goals for 2012.