PRECLINICAL STUDY PUBLISHED IN NATURE MEDICINE SHOWS ANTI-LINGO-1
ANTIBODY PROMOTES REMYELINATION
Suggests Potential Role in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and
Other Demyelinating Diseases
Cambridge, MA - September 30, 2007 - Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB)
announced today the publication of findings from a preclinical study
reporting that the anti-LINGO-1 antibody can promote spinal cord
remyelination and axonal integrity, suggesting a potential role as a
treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating
diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The results are
published in the October issue of Nature Medicine, and confirm
previously published data that suggested a role for the anti-LINGO-1
antibody in CNS myelin repair.
LINGO-1 appears to act as a molecular switch that controls the
ability of cells in the CNS to produce myelin, the protective
cellular sheath surrounding nerve fibers that assists nerves in
conducting electrical impulses. When myelin is damaged by autoimmune
diseases such as MS, nerve cells lose their ability to send signals
to the body. As this damage progresses, these cells may eventually
die, contributing to disability. Although MS therapies can slow the
progression of this damage, none are able to repair the lost myelin.
Biogen Idec scientists had previously discovered that LINGO-1 may act
to prevent myelin repair after injury. In the study published today,
by blocking LINGO-1, scientists were able to promote myelin repair
and improve recovery in an animal model of MS.
"While preliminary, these findings are encouraging and suggest that
the anti-LINGO-1 antibody has the potential to repair some of the
damage caused to the CNS. This may be an entirely new approach to
treating MS," said Alfred Sandrock, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President,
Neurology Research and Development, Biogen Idec. "The anti-LINGO-1
program is a key part of our research and development efforts in MS.
We have a diverse pipeline of therapeutic candidates targeting
multiple pathways and patient needs with the goal of offering a
portfolio of options for people living with this devastating disease."
In the study, functional recovery from demyelination was modeled by
tracking the disease progression of experimental autoimmune
encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely accepted animal model for studying
the clinical and pathological features of MS. The anti-LINGO-1
antibody was administered before disease onset and was found to
decrease the severity of EAE across all stages of disease
progression, when compared to the control treatment group. In a
related study, anti-LINGO-1 antibody treatment resulted in
significantly reduced EAE symptoms even when it was administered
after disease onset.
The study found that functional recovery, as measured by EAE scores,
correlated with improved axonal integrity and axonal remyelination.
Physiological improvements in axonal integrity were revealed by
magnetic resonance DTI imaging. At the cellular level, the production
of new myelin sheaths was revealed by histological staining and
electron microscopy.
"This is a very exciting early indication that therapies targeted at
myelin repair within the CNS can have a dramatic effect on behavioral
functional outcome in models of multiple sclerosis, and opens the
door for the identification of additional regulators of myelin repair
that might be used to enhance functional recovery in patients with
MS," said Robert H. Miller, PhD, Principal Investigator, Myelin
Repair Foundation and Director of the Center for Translational
Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University.
Anti-LINGO-1 was discovered by Biogen Idec and is one of several
programs in the company's industry-leading research and development
efforts in MS. In addition to its two marketed products, the company
has four programs in clinical development for the treatment of MS.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with
high unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global
leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and
commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90
countries benefit from Biogen Idec's significant products that
address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid
arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional
information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.
Safe Harbor/Forward-
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding anti-
LINGO-1 antibody, which is currently in the preclinical stage of drug
development. Drug development involves a high degree of risk. Only a
small number of research and development programs result in
commercialization of a product. Factors which could cause actual
results to differ materially from Biogen Idec's current expectations
include the risk that the company may not be able to demonstrate the
safety and efficacy of anti-LINGO-1 antibody at each stage of the
clinical trial process; technical hurdles relating to the manufacture
of anti-LINGO-1 antibody may be encountered; the company may not be
able to meet applicable regulatory standards or regulatory
authorities may fail to approve anti-LINGO-1 antibody; and the
company may encounter other unexpected hurdles. For more detailed
information on the risks and uncertainties associated with Biogen
Idec's drug development and other activities, see the periodic and
current reports that the company has filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Biogen Idec assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
For more information contact:
Media Contacts:
Amy Reilly
Tel: (617) 914-6524
Investor Contacts:
Eric Hoffman
http://www.biogenid
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StemCells subscribers may also be interested in these sites:
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
http://www.CNSfoundation.org/
Cord Blood Registry
http://www.CordBlood.com/at.cgi?a=150123
The CNS Healing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNS_Healing
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