Biogen Idec reports positive data from new MS drug trial

Biogen Idec has announced encouraging first-year data from Advance, a phase III trial of the investigational relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy Plegridy.

Dosed once every two or four weeks, the drug was shown to have met its primary and secondary endpoints at the midway stage of the two-year study, offering reductions in relapse rates, disability progression and brain lesions compared to placebo.

In addition to these benefits, Plegridy may also help minimise the treatment burden for patients by reducing the number of subcutaneous injections they require.

After completing two years in the Advance study, patients will be given the option of enrolling in an open-label extension study called Attain, which will see them followed for up to four years.

Gilmore O'Neill, vice-president for global neurology late-stage clinical development at Biogen Idec, said: " If approved, Plegridy will make an important therapeutic option in the injectable treatment segment."

Earlier this month, the company reported data from an independent statistical analysis of its established MS drug Tysabri, showing its benefits compared to a number of rival therapies.