Biogen, PDL BioPharma hail MS drug data |
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Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:33
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NEW YORK (AP) - Biogen Idec Inc. and PDL BioPharma Inc. said Thursday data from a midstage trial showed drug candidate daclizumab produced 'statistically significantly' results in patients with multiple sclerosis.Specifically, the Phase 2 data showed daclizumab significantly reduced multiple sclerosis lesions in patients receiving interferon beta therapy. MS is characterized as a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system.The ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial evaluates MS patients who continue to have an active form of the disease, while receiving interferon beta therapy.The study patients who received daclizumab 2 mg/kg subcutaneously, or under the skin, every two weeks showed a statistically significant 72 percent reduction in the number of certain new or enlarged lesions at week 24, compared to patients on interferon beta therapy alone.By the end of 2007, Biogen Idec and PDL plan to initiate another Phase 2 trial of daclizumab alone in the same population of patients who are relapsing.Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. currently markets daclizumab under the name Zenapax under a license from biopharmaceutical company PDL. Zenapax is indicated for intravenous use related to acute organ rejection in patients receiving renal transplants.Shares of PDL fell 37 cents to close at $22.89, while shares of Biogen fell 29 cents to close at $67.12.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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