Biogen Hits Primary Endpoints in MS Study

Biotech company Biogen Idec's developmental multiple sclerosis drug daclizumab succeeded in the SELECT phase 2b trial evaluating its safety and effectiveness in treating patients with relapse-remitting MS. The trial results, originally published in The Lancet and reported by Biogen in a recent press statement, showed that two injection treatment groups had annual relapse rates at least 50% lower than a placebo group after one year.

The two treatment groups also showed that daclizumab reduced MS-related brain lesions and improved quality of life in patients, as well as reducing disability progression.

Dr. Gilmore O'Neill, Biogen's vice president of medical research, said of the results, "Based on these initial data from SELECT, we believe DAC HYP would complement our robust portfolio of four approved MS products by potentially offering people with MS a new treatment alternative."

Daclizumab is Biogen's latest developmental candidate in the multiple sclerosis market it has dominated. The company's oral MS treatment, Tecfidera, won FDA approval in late March and is poised to compete in the promising oral MS market.

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