By Tess Stynes
Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB) said its treatment for hemophilia B, a
rare inherited disorder that impairs blood coagulation, showed
positive results in a phase three clinical study.
The pharmaceutical company and European distributor Swedish
Orphan Biovitrum AB (SOBI.SK, BIOVF) said the long-lasting clotting
factor candidate, called recombinant Factor IX Fc fusion protein,
was effective on a number of goals including the control and
prevention of bleeding and was generally well-tolerated.
More than 90% of bleeding episodes were controlled by a single
injection of the treatment in the study.
The company plans to present further results at a future
scientific meeting and to submit a biologics license application to
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the first half of next
year.
Biogen Idec in July reported its second-quarter earnings rose
34% as revenue continued to grow amid strong sales growth for its
biggest drug, multiple-sclerosis treatment Avonex.
Biogen shares were up 1.8% at $155.64 in light premarket
trading. The stock was up 39% this year through Tuesday's
close.
Write to Tess Stynes at Tess.Stynes@dowjones.com
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