Array of Multiple Sclerosis Trial Data to Be Presented by Biogen at 2016 AAN Meeting
A range of new multiple sclerosis (MS) data from Biogen will be revealed at the 68th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in Vancouver, Canada, on April 15–21. Presentations will include studies on Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), one of the most frequently used oral MS treatments worldwide, as well as several other treatments marketed by Biogen or in development.
“MS is a complex, life-long disease that affects each person differently. Because people with MS have diverse treatment needs, it is critical that they have a variety of therapeutic options available that not only provide robust efficacy and different mechanisms of action, but also offer the flexibility to transition to another treatment, if needed,” Ralph Kern, MD, senior vice president, Worldwide Medical at Biogen, said in a press release. “With the world’s leading MS portfolio and growing pipeline, Biogen continues to focus on MS care to impact the greatest number of people living with MS globally.”
According to the release, Tecfidera presentations will include evidence of effectiveness in newly diagnosed MS patients, as well as evidence of significantly lower annualized relapse rates compared to glatiramer acetate, interferon β and teriflunomide, and similar relapse rates between Tecfidera and fingolimod (Gilenya, marketed by Novartis). Tecfidera is approved for relapsing forms of MS.
The company also plans to present data on Tysabri (natalizumab) showing its long-term efficacy and safety, particularly when used in early MS stages. The impact of an investigational MS drug, Zinbryta (daclizumab HYP), on cognition will be highlighted, along with data demonstrating an absence of broad immune cell depletion by this medication. The company also plans presentations on peginterferon beta-1a efficacy and anti-lesion effectiveness.
Moreover, Biogen will present three studies on anti-LINGO-1, a medication in development. This will include a study of brain volume and cognitive function, as well as physical, cognitive and MRI measures from the anti-LINGO-1 SYNERGY trial, an ongoing, Phase 2 study of anti-LINGO-1 in people with relapsing MS. Previous results of the RENEW trial have already shown that giving patients with optic neuritis anti-LINGO-1 improved standard measurements of vision and eye function by 24 weeks following the start of medication, compared to a group that received a placebo.
“The totality of the data from the two Phase 2 studies may provide us with a clearer understanding of anti-LINGO-1’s clinical potential” said Alfred Sandrock, MD, PhD, group senior vice president and chief medical officer at Biogen Idec.
