Biogen Idec Results
Financially, Biogen Idec had a good quarter and announced that Tysabri sales are strong. They also have Rituxan, a cancer drug and Avonex in their product list.
Tysabri and Avonex are both treatments for multiple sclerosis. Tysabri had some safety concerns initially (see previous post), but the safety data has been very encouraging over the last couple of years. The company states that over 17,000 people take the drug in the U.S. and Europe, and 1,000 of those in clinical trials.
This is very good news for MS patients. First, it's another treatment from which to choose. Also, doctors are more willing to prescribe it now because of the recent safety data. And, it's another example of a profitable drug for MS which means more drug companies will pour money into the research and development of potential new treatments for this disease. All together, a big win for us all.