Genentech, Biogen say cancer drug helps against MS
NEW YORK (Reuters) –
Biotechnology companies Genentech Inc. and Biogen Idec Inc. on Monday said their cancer drug Rituxan showed hints of effectiveness against multiple sclerosis in a small mid-stage trial.
The U.S. drug makers said they will continue to analyze results from the Phase II study and will submit the data for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting.
"These initial results exceeded our expectations," Hal Barron, Genentech's chief medical officer, said in a statement.
Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling neurological disease believed caused by an overactive immune system, which attacks the protective myelin insulation that covers nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
The study involved 104 adults in the United States and Canada with the most common form of multiple sclerosis, in which flare-ups of symptoms are followed by full or partial recovery between attacks. They were given either a single treatment course of Rituxan, or a placebo.
It showed a statistically significant reduction among those given Rituxan in the total number of brain lesions seen on MRI scans at weeks 12, 16, 20, and 24, compared with those receiving placebo.
Rituxan, an antibody which is one of the biggest-selling treatments against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, works by blocking immune-system B cells.
"Showing a significant benefit at 24 weeks in this small Phase II trial supports our hypothesis that selective B-cell targeted therapy may play an important role in the treatment of multiple sclerosis," Barron said.
Rates of side effects were comparable in those taking Rituxan and those taking placebos, the companies said.
Genentech and Biogen Idec co-market Rituxan in the United States. They won approval from U.S. regulators earlier this year to also market the lymphoma drug as a treatment for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, in combination with the widely used drug methotrexate.
Rheumatoid arthritis is also believed to be caused by an overactive immune system, which attacks the joints.
In afternoon trading, shares of Genentech rose 22 cents to $80.22 on the New York Stock Exchange, while Biogen Idec rose 41 cents to $44.69 on the Nasdaq.