*MS ARTICLE* Drug

[Guest guest]

Hi. I only know what is written below. Adam:

http://www.pharmabiz.com/article/detnews.asp?articleid=37062

Biogen initiates phase III trial of multiple sclerosis drug

Thursday, January 11, 2007 13:00 IST

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Biogen Idec has initiated the phase III clinical programme of BG-12,

an oral fumarate in development for relapsing-remitting multiple

sclerosis (MS).

The Define (determination of the efficacy and safety of oral fumarate

in relapsing-remitting MS) and Confirm (comparator and an oral

fumarate in relapsing-remitting MS) studies will include more than

2,000 total patients in North America, Europe and rest of world. These

studies have been initiated internationally, and Biogen Idec plans to

initiate these studies in the US later this year.

Define and Confirm are two-year, randomised, multi-centre,

double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-comparison studies to determine

the safety and efficacy of BG-12 in subjects with relapsing-remitting

CONFIRM will also include a glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) reference

comparator arm.

Endpoints of both studies include evaluating the effect of BG-12 on

measurements of clinical relapse, the progression of disability, and

various MRI measures.

" Earlier studies of BG-12 support its potential as an oral therapy for

multiple sclerosis. The extensive phase III clinical programme of

BG-12 will provide greater understanding of its promise in MS, " said

Define lead investigator Ralf Gold, MD, Prof and chair of the

department of neurology, St f-Hospital/Ruhr-University Bochum. " MS

is a disease that continues to have an unmet need for safe and

effective oral therapeutic options. "

" The development of BG-12 furthers Biogen Idec's commitment to

advancing the treatment of MS. We have a diverse portfolio of

therapeutic candidates and are dedicated to the pursuit of innovative

research that will yield multiple options for people living with this

devastating disease, " said Alfred Sandrock, MD, PhD, senior vice

president, Neurology Research and Development, Biogen Idec.