Idec rewarded by Biogen's focus

For some time, Biogen Inc. has been mulling over what to do with the three cancer compounds that have come out of its research, but are not part of its core focus in neurology and autoimmune disorders. Last week it made its decision, forming a co-development partnership with Idec Pharmaceuticals Corp.

BGEN's cancer compounds, which include a monoclonal antibody that targets lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTBR), an anti-Cripto MAb and an interferon beta (IFN beta) gene delivery product, have their origins in other areas of the company's research. For example, the IFN beta compound came out of research on Avonex IFN beta for multiple sclerosis. The LTBR antibody, which functions as an agonist of LTBR, originated in an autoimmune program that was developing inhibitors of the target. ...