New data shows effect of Biogen’s blockbuster MS drugs

US biotech Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) has presented new real-world data showing that use of its leading multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies, Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) and Tysabri (natalizumab), early in the course of the disease, may improve outcomes for people living with relapsing MS.

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)

These data were presented at the 69th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in Boston, USA, on Monday morning, after which Biogen’s share price rose by 1% to $275.59 in the first two hours of trading.

The results show that Tecfidera significantly reduced the risk of relapse by 30% compared to teriflunomide in newly-diagnosed patients and those previously treated with a prior disease-modifying therapy, and had comparable efficacy to fingolimod. These data are consistent with other comparative effectiveness data showing similar results to oral therapies and greater efficacy to interferon beta and glatiramer acetate.

Separate results show that, over three years, the likelihood of disability improvement was significantly greater for patients treated with Tysabri within one year of MS symptom onset, than for those treated between one to five years or more than five years following symptom onset.

Kate Dawson, Biogen vice president, US medical, said: “The new real-world Tecfidera and Tysabri data presented at AAN emphasize the importance of effective treatment early in the course of one’s disease.

“Timely treatment with appropriate therapies can help mitigate damage caused by MS and delay long-term disability for people with the disease.”

These two therapies have already been used to treat more than 300,000 patients between them. Tecfidera is the world’s most prescribed oral therapy for MS, while Tysabri is the only targeted high-efficacy treatment for the disease with more than 10 years of clinical experience.

24-04-2017

Source: https://www.thepharmaletter.com/