CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) today announced that 25 company-sponsored platform and poster presentations will take place during the 61st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in Seattle, WA, April 25 through May 2, 2009. These presentations, which are not late-breaking abstracts, will cover five compounds that are marketed or currently in development by Biogen Idec and its partners for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). This includes two approved therapies for MS; TYSABRI® (natalizumab) and AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a); and additional compounds in development including Tecfidera (BG-12/dimethyl fumarate), PEGylated interferon beta-1a, and daclizumab.

“Biogen Idec is redefining success for patients living with MS. With TYSABRI, we have moved beyond slowing disease progression. We are even seeing some clinical trial patients who are free from MS disease activity or with physical improvement from what was seen at baseline,” said Michael Panzara, MD, MPH, vice president, chief medical officer of neurology, Biogen Idec.
Dr. Panzara continued, “Biogen Idec is at the forefront of development and research with a robust pipeline that includes PEGylated interferon beta-1a, which is expected to enter a Phase III clinical trial by the middle of this year. Biogen Idec has been a pioneer for over a decade in the use of interferon beta to treat MS, and this compound promises to be a significant evolution in that class.

Also, BG-12, an oral compound with potential neuroprotective effects, has shown promising results in early-stage MS and is now well into Phase III trials with over 2000 MS patients currently enrolled. Indeed, with multiple exciting compounds to treat MS at all stages of development, including those at the preclinical stage with the potential to reverse and repair the damage inflicted by the disease, Biogen Idec continues to demonstrate our commitment to improving the lives of MS patients worldwide.” .............. full report in BusinessWire

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