Added Features and a Fresh Look Mark Improved Avonex.com
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Biogen, Inc. (Nasdaq: BGEN) announced today that it has enhanced and improved
Avonex.com (http://www.avonex.com) the Internet web site for its blockbuster
multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy AVONEX(R) (Interferon beta-1a). The site
serves the tens of thousands of Americans who take AVONEX therapy, as well as
their friends and families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and others
whose lives are touched by MS.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990824/BIOLOGO )
"Biogen prides itself on keeping Avonex.com up-to-date with the most
current information on MS treatment and research," said Robert Perez, Biogen's
Vice President, CNS Business Unit. "With the enhancement of the site,
Avonex.com is one of the most valuable online resources for those currently on
AVONEX and those considering treatment."
The "Research Corner" section of Avonex.com has undergone the most
significant transformation, as it now contains even more valuable information
on clinical trials and the process by which drugs become approved for use with
patients. This section defines all aspects of the clinical trial process,
including medical and legal jargon, as well as some suggested questions people
may want to ask doctors if they are considering enrolling in clinical trials.
The site has also become even more user friendly, especially certain
special features that are available to registered site members. Members of
Avonex.com have free, unlimited access to a growing interactive community,
including message boards and the "Ask a Mentor" program, which allows members
to communicate one-on-one with a mentor. Enrolling as a site member takes
less than one minute and is free.
In addition to the added features and fresh look of Avonex.com, the site's
valuable original features still remain intact. Information on the site spans
detailed medical descriptions of the disease, upcoming events in the MS
community, and tips for living with multiple sclerosis. Frequently visited
sections of the site include: The Avonex Alliance(TM), a support program for
people on therapy, and the MS Learning System, an interactive MS curriculum.
Anyone touched by MS is encouraged to visit the site and become a member
and to take advantage of the information and resources that Avonex.com
provides.
About AVONEX(R) (Interferon-beta 1a)
The most common side effects associated with AVONEX treatment are flu-like
symptoms, muscle ache, fever, and chills. Other common side effects seen, but
not statistically different between AVONEX and control groups, were headache,
pain and asthenia (weakness). These side effects usually go away within a day
after the injection and occur less often as the treatment continues.
AVONEX should be used with caution in people with depression and people
with seizure disorders. AVONEX should not be used by pregnant women. People
with cardiac disease should be closely monitored. Routine periodic blood
chemistry and hematology tests are recommended during treatment with AVONEX.
Please see complete prescribing information available at http://www.avonex.com.
AVONEX is the leading treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
worldwide, with more than 121,000 patients on therapy. It was launched in the
U.S. in 1996 and later in Europe for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS to
slow the progression of disability and reduce relapses. AVONEX is marketed
internationally in more than 65 countries.
About Biogen
Biogen, Inc., winner of the U.S. National Medal of Technology, is a
biopharmaceutical company principally engaged in discovering and developing
drugs for human healthcare through genetic engineering. Headquartered in
Cambridge, MA, the Company's revenues are generated from U.S. and worldwide
sales of AVONEX(R) (Interferon beta-1a) for treatment of relapsing forms of
multiple sclerosis, and from the worldwide sales by licensees of a number of
products, including alpha interferon and hepatitis B vaccines and diagnostic
products. Biogen's research and development activities are focused on novel
products to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases,
cancer, fibrosis and congestive heart failure. The Company maintains active
clinical research programs in protein therapeutics, small molecules, genomics
and gene therapy. For copies of press releases and additional information
about the Company, please consult Biogen's Homepage on the World Wide Web at
http://www.biogen.com.
Media Contact:
Kathleen O'Donnell
Associate Director, Public Affairs
Biogen, Inc.
(617) 679-2837
SOURCE Biogen, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.biogen.com
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Company News On-Call:
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CONTACT:
Kathleen O'Donnell, Associate Director,
Public Affairs of Biogen, Inc., +1-617-679-2837
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