Avonex, Interferon Beta-1a News

Biogen Idec 's key multiple sclerosis drug is in the news again, as the European Medicines Agency has started a safety review of Tysabri , citing more confirmed cases of a rare - but potentially fatal - viral infection of the brain, called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy , previously linked to the drug.

BASEL,A Switzerland Patients taking an investigational drug for multiple sclerosis experienced a oesignificanta reductions in relapses and disability progression, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial released Wednesday.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------- * FREEDOMS study shows FTY720 reduced relapse rates by 54-60% compared to placebo, and disability progression by 30-32%[1] * Results build on Phase III TRANSFORMS one-year study showing FTY720 ...

Sep 11, 2009 - Genzyme Corporation reported today that four-year follow-up data from its completed Phase 2 multiple sclerosis trial continued to show durable reductions in relapse rate and sustained accumulation of disability three years after the majority of patients received their last course of the investigational compound alemtuzumab.

Sept. 11, 2009 - Data from an observational phase IV study of 499 patients entitled The Swiss MS Skin Project show that multiple sclerosis patients taking AVONEX reported significantly fewer injection site reactions compared to patients on Betaferon , Copaxone or Rebif .

Sep 2, 2009 - Biogen Idec today announced more than 70 platform and poster presentations from the company's multiple sclerosis franchise being presented during the 25th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis in Dsseldorf, Germany.

The first large-scale "CombiRX" clinical trial testing the combined use of FDA-approved interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate to treat relapsing-remitting MS has just received a $19-million renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Biogen Idec Inc ., a Cambridge company known for its multiple sclerosis drugs, said that US Food and Drug Administration has granted it Fast Track designation for a potential treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis.

It wasn't the acquisition some investors had hoped for, but Acorda Therapeutics Inc.

NEW NEW Abstract Background Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets CD52 on lymphocytes and monocytes, may be an effective treatment for early multiple sclerosis.

JERUSALEM Two drug makers announced Thursday that they have finished enrolling patients in a phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate a drug for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Jun 22, 2009 - Biogen Idec today announced enrollment of the first patient in a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEGylated interferon beta-1a in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis .

The European Medicines Agency has been formally notified by BioPartners GmbH of its decision to withdraw its application for Biferonex , 6 million-international-unit solution for injection, prefilled syringes for subcutaneous administration.

Myth: MS can be cured. Fact: There is currently no cure for MS. You may see websites or ads for herbal products, supplements, or other treatments that claim to cure MS.

May 26, 2009 - Biogen Idec today announced that it has sent to its stockholders a letter urging them to vote Biogen Idec's WHITE proxy card FOR all of the Company's Board of Directors' highly regarded and experienced nominees.

More than 11,000 neurologists, investigators and trainees gathered in Seattle in late April for the 2009 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, one of this country's top venues for sharing clinical research progress related to multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

Medications for multiple sclerosis play an important role in the management of MS.

Wednesday May 13, 2009 For people taking a multiple sclerosis treatment using interferon beta-1a , combining it with oral methylprednisolone may improve outcomes for relapsing-remitting MS.

In patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, adding oral methylprednisolone to treatment with interferon beta-1a can significantly reduce the rate of relapse, according to a report in the April 30th online issue of The Lancet Neurology.

Editor's Choice Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis Article Date: 05 May 2009 - 0:00 PDT Conclusions reported in an Article published Online first, as well as in the June edition of The Lancet Neurology , and the announcement made at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in Seattle, USA, all coincide that the substantial decline of the ...