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| Tecfidera outperformed all other MS drugs in the first 3 months after launch |
Tecfidera, a new drug from Biogen Idec (BIIB) for treating adults with the relapsing forms of MS (multiple sclerosis), had a successful launch. According to the market research firm IMS Health, Tecfidera outperformed all other MS drugs in the first 3 months after launch.
In the second quarter Tecfidera generated $192 million of Biogen Idec's $1.4 billion revenues. Some analysts predict that it could eventually bring in more than $4 billion a year in world-wide revenue. Optimism is reflected in the fact that the consensus projection for sales of the drug in 2018 has increased by 24 percent since this time last year.
The success has also prompted a major shift in how multiple sclerosis is treated.
New study
Interim analysis of the long-term extension study Endorse showed that Tecfidera maintained its effect in reducing disease activity in patients treated for four years. No new or worsening safety signals were observed in patients who had been on the drug for up to six and a half years.
The Endorse extension study followed patients who had taken part in two major Phase III trials that led to the U.S. approval of Tecfidera. In addition, a separate analysis of the Phase III Define and Confirm trials revealed that the drug significantly reduced MS relapses in new-to-treatment patients, while delaying the overall progression of the disease.
The results were presented in October at the ECTRIMS (European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis) conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since MS is a chronic, life-long disease, physicians and patients need the assurance that Tecfidera sustains efficacy and safety over long-term, which these studies have provided.
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