Biogen Idec's pegylated interferon meets in Phase III trial for RRMS

Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) said subcutaneous peginterferon beta-1a given every two or four weeks each met the primary endpoint of reducing annualized relapse rate (ARR) at one year vs. placebo in the Phase III ADVANCE trial to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Compared to placebo, peginterferon beta-1a reduced ARR at one year by 35.6% (p<0.001) when given every two weeks and by 27.5% (p<0.02) when given every four weeks. The double-blind, international trial enrolled 1,516 RRMS patients. Additional data will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in San Diego in March. ...