Biogen Idec discloses pipeline setbacks
Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) disclosed setbacks for three compounds during its 3Q09 earnings conference call on Tuesday: ocrelizumab, lumiliximab and galiximab. The biotech said that it placed the Phase III FILM trial of ocrelizumab to treat methotrexate-naive rheumatoid arthritis patients on clinical hold based on a safety review concerning an "apparent imbalance" in opportunistic infections among RA and lupus patients treated with the second-generation humanized mAb against CD20. The company, which also closed the Phase III BELONG study in lupus nephritis, said the reason for the imbalance is unknown at this time. The biotech said other trials in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and RA remain ongoing. Biogen Idec, Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) and Genentech Inc. are co-developing ocrelizumab. ...