Biogen Idec confirms Tecfidera patient death

Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) said a 59-year old female multiple sclerosis (MS) patient died due to bilateral pneumonia after discontinuing Tecfidera dimethyl fumarate, but the company said "a link to Tecfidera is unlikely" based on the circumstances of the case and cause of death. The company's shares fell as much as $10.18 on Monday on the news but ultimately closed up $1.40 to $231.67. FDA approved Tecfidera in March to treat adults with relapsing forms of MS with the cleanest label among the oral MS drugs (see BioCentury, April 1).

Biogen Idec said the patient died 2.5 weeks after discontinuing treatment with Tecfidera. The biotech said the patient, who had a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and recurrent infections, received Tecfidera for 5.5 weeks before discontinuing treatment due to gastrointestinal events. The gastrointestinal symptoms resolved after treatment discontinuation. ...