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Biogen, Idec say Tysabri anti-MS drug met primary goals of Phase III trial
17.2.2005 / 11:05
TheMarker

With Reuters

Biogen Idec (Nasdaq:BIIB) and Elan Corp (Ireland:ELN) said on Thursday that a late-stage clinical trial of their multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri achieved its two-year primary endpoint.

The companies said their Phase III Tysabri Affirm monotherapy trial achieved the primary goal of slowing the progression of disability in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

That is the very condition addressed by Teva Pharmaceuticals (TASE, Nasdaq:TEVA) drug Copaxone, which is responsible for some 10% of the Israeli company's annual turnover.

Biogen and Iden said the Tysabri treatment reduced the risk of disability progression compared to a placebo, by 42%.

They also said the data demonstrated a 67% reduction in the rate of clinical relapses over two years, which was consistent with the one-year results.

Investors have been fretting over the potential competition between the two drugs based on the facility of administration. Copaxone is administered by daily injection, but the patient can handle it alone at home. Tysabri will be administered only once a month, but the shot must be delivered at a clinic or hospital.

Midas