Results Show Only Once-Weekly Multiple Sclerosis Therapy is Well Tolerated and
Has Low Incidence of Neutralizing Antibodies
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/--
Biogen, Inc. (Nasdaq: BGEN) today announced that data presented at the
Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers' (CMSC) annual meeting demonstrated
that AVONEX(R) (Interferon beta-1a) was generally well tolerated and produced
low levels of neutralizing antibodies in patients treated for up to eight
years. AVONEX had a 5 percent rate of neutralizing antibodies in this study,
consistent with the low incidence seen in other trials. The safety profile was
also found to be generally similar to that in other trials and consistent with
post-marketing experience, as described in the AVONEX package insert.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990824/BIOLOGO)
The study, presented at annual meeting of the CMSC in San Diego, was led
by Robert Herndon, M.D., Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi VA
Medical Center in Jackson, MS. 224 patients were treated for approximately
six years; of those patients, 86 were treated for up to eight years. Results
of the study show that adverse events were generally consistent with other
AVONEX trials. Only 2 percent of the patients discontinued treatment due to
adverse events.
"It is important for patients to take a therapy that is well tolerated
over the long term," Dr. Herndon said. "In this study, only 5 percent of
patients developed neutralizing antibodies to AVONEX. That low rate is
important to me when I choose therapies for my patients."
All therapeutic proteins have the potential to cause an immune response in
the human body, such as the production of specific antibodies. A subset of
these antibodies, called neutralizing antibodies, can inhibit the biologic
activity of the therapeutic protein. The clinical significance of
neutralizing antibodies to AVONEX is unknown.
AVONEX is indicated to slow the progression of disability and reduce the
frequency of relapses in relapsing forms of MS, including people who have
experienced a first clinical episode and who have brain scans consistent with
MS. The most common side effects associated with AVONEX treatment are flu-
like symptoms, myalgia, fever, fatigue, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting,
pain and asthenia.
AVONEX should be used with caution in patients with depression or other
mood disorders and in patients with seizure disorders. AVONEX should not be
used by pregnant women. Patients with cardiac disease should be closely
monitored. Patients should also be monitored for signs of hepatic injury.
Routine periodic blood chemistry and hematology tests are recommended during
treatment with AVONEX. Rare cases of anaphylaxis have been reported. Please
see complete prescribing information available at http://www.AVONEX.com.
Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects
approximately 400,000 people in North America and approximately 1 million
people worldwide. It is a disease of young adults, mostly women, with onset
typically between 20 and 40 years of age. Symptoms of MS may include vision
problems, loss of balance, numbness, difficulty walking and paralysis.
About AVONEX
AVONEX is the leading treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
worldwide, with more than 120,000 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 is the world's oldest independent biotechnology company and a
leader in biologics research, development and manufacturing. A pioneer in
leading edge research in immunology, neurobiology and oncology, Biogen brings
novel therapies to improve patients' lives around the world through its global
marketing capabilities. For press releases and additional information about
the company, please visit http://www.biogen.com.
Media Contact:
Amy Brockelman
Manager, Public Affairs
Biogen, Inc.
(617) 914-6524
Investment Community Contact:
Christina Dillon
Manager, Investor Relations
Biogen, Inc.
(617) 679-2812
SOURCE Biogen, Inc.
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CONTACT:
Media, Amy Brockelman, Manager, Public
Affairs, +1-617-914-6542, or Investment Community, Christina
Dillon, Manager, Investor Relations, +1-617-679-2812, both of
Biogen
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