Only MS Drug in Europe to Carry this Approved Indication of Use
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Biogen, Inc. (Nasdaq: BGEN) today announced that the EMEA, the European
Regulatory Agency for pharmaceuticals, has approved AVONEX for use in the
treatment of patients who are at high risk of developing Clinically Definite
Multiple Sclerosis (CDMS). In countries throughout Europe, AVONEX can now be
prescribed after a patient has one multiple sclerosis (MS) attack and when
alternative diagnoses have been excluded.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990824/BIOLOGO )
The standard practice of MS diagnosis and treatment has previously been
only after patients have experienced two separate and distinct attacks or
demyelinating events. This decision by the EMEA makes AVONEX the only MS
treatment approved for earlier use, after the first attack, when patients are
considered at high risk for developing MS.
The approval is based on data submitted to the EMEA from Biogen's long-
term clinical study known as CHAMPS (Controlled High Risk Subjects AVONEX
Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Study). The study, published in the New England
Journal of Medicine (NEJM), was also cited by The Harvard Health Letter as one
of the top ten medical advances in the year 2000. Results from CHAMPS, to be
presented at the European Neurology Society (ENS) meeting in June, showed a
66% reduction in the risk of developing CDMS based on clinical measures and
MRI scans of the brain in a high-risk subgroup of patients.
The EMEA decision means that the indication extension is valid in all 15
member states of the European Union (EU) as well as Norway and Ireland. In
addition to Europe, Biogen has received approval in Australia for earlier use,
after the first attack, based on the CHAMPS data. This indication is not
approved in the United States; an application is pending with the FDA.
Commenting on the European approval, Hans Peter Hasler, Biogen's Executive
Vice President, Commercial Operations said, "The European decision on AVONEX
is a testament to Biogen's clinical programs and to the product itself.
Biogen has maintained a commitment to people with MS through rigorous
scientific research, enriched patient programs and first-class customer
support."
About AVONEX(R) (Interferon-beta 1a)
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 is marketed in more than 65 countries for the treatment of
relapsing forms of MS to slow the progression of disability and reduce
relapses.
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.
About Biogen
Biogen, Inc., winner of the U.S. National Medal of Technology, is a
biotechnology 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 worldwide sales of AVONEX for
treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, and from the sales by
licensees of a number of products. (Please see full prescribing information at
http://www.avonex.com.) 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.
In addition to historical information, this press release contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the Company's
current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Factors which
could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's current
expectations include, without limitation: unanticipated changes in the level
of patient satisfaction with AVONEX(R); the nature of regulatory, pricing, and
reimbursement decisions worldwide with respect to the Company's product and
competitors' products; the impact of competition and the other risks and
uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Media Contact: Kathleen O'Donnell
Associate Director, Public Affairs
Biogen, Inc.
Tel: (617) 679-2837
Investment Community Contact: Elizabeth Woo
Director, Investor Relations
Biogen, Inc.
Tel: (617) 679-2822
SOURCE Biogen, Inc.
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http://www.biogen.com
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CONTACT:
Kathleen O'Donnell, Associate Director,
Public Affairs +1-617- 679-2837; or Elizabeth Woo, Director,
Investor Relations, +1-617-679-2822; both of Biogen, Inc.
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