27 Mar 2009 07:00
27 March 2009
Biogen Idec reports favourable data from Phase IIa Parkinson's Disease studies of BIIB014 (licensed from Vernalis)
WINNERSH, U.K., 27 March 2009 Vernalis plc (LSE: VER) today announced that Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB), presented headline data at its 25 March 2009 R&D Day from two Phase IIa studies of BIIB014 (also known as V2006), an oral compound for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
In a press release, Biogen Idec announced that interim results from these Phase IIa studies of BIIB014 were favorable and support continued development of BIIB014 in patients with Parkinson's disease. Biogen Idec also announced that it is currently in discussion with regulators surrounding the design of a registration program of BIIB014 in this patient population. In a presentation at its R&D Day, Biogen Idec reported that BIIB014 was well tolerated and showed dose dependent clinically relevant effects in patients with both early and late stage Parkinson's disease.
In June 2004, Vernalis entered into an agreement with Biogen Idec to develop and commercialise BIIB014. Biogen Idec is conducting and funding future development and will pay milestones and royalties on the successful development and commercialisation of the product.
BIIB014 is a once-daily oral adenosine A2A receptor antagonist that may offer a non-dopaminergic therapy for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Ian Garland, CEO of Vernalis commented:
"We are delighted that Biogen Idec has announced favourable Phase IIa data for BIIB014 and that these data support continued development of this novel compound as a treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease. I am pleased that this compound, discovered by Vernalis, has the potential to be a novel, non-dopaminergic treatment option for the very many people with Parkinson's disease "
Access the Biogen IDEC presentation at: http://library.corporate-ir.net/library/14/148/148682/items/329869/503E91BE-5BE4-47F0-A030-17858A19C307_6_BIIB014v2.pdf
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Enquiries:
| Vernalis Contacts | +44 (0) 118 977 3133 |
| Ian Garland, Chief Executive Officer |
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| David Mackney, Chief Financial Officer |
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| Brunswick Group | +44 (0) 20 7404 5959 |
| Jon Coles |
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| Justine McIlroy |
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Notes to Editors
About Parkinson's Disease
It is estimated that between 800,000 and 1 million people in the U.S. have Parkinson's disease, a condition that results from selective degeneration of an area of the brain called the substantia nigra, which is located towards the base of the brain in the basal ganglia. Normally these nerve cells release dopamine - a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells (called a neurotransmitter). This central signalling pathway is essential for the fine control of movement and posture, and breakdown results in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease namely tremor, rigidity, slow movements and postural instability. Muscle rigidity can become so severe as to result in "freezing" also referred to as "off" episodes, when patients are rendered immobile. Patients also suffer from problems relating to impaired control of blood pressure (postural hypotension) and gut motility, which can impair the absorption of food and drugs. The disease is progressive and the signs and symptoms generally worsen over time. However, while Parkinson's disease may eventually be disabling, the disease often progresses gradually and with appropriate treatment many patients have a number of years of productive life after initial diagnosis.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec's significant products that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.
About VernalisVernalis is a pharmaceutical company with expertise in both structure-based drug discovery and pre-clinical and clinical drug development. The company has six products in clinical trials (two of which are partnered) and three programmes in pre-clinical trials (two with partners). Our collaborations are with leading, global pharmaceutical companies including Biogen Idec, Novartis, Servier, Chiesi, Menarini and Endo.
For further information about Vernalis, please visit www.vernalis.com.
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