BioTech, Finance

Biotech Stocks in Focus: Biogen consolidates, Stock Rated High

Biogen Idec’s (BIIB) shares were up slightly (0.62%) on the FDA approval of multiple sclerosis (MS) product, Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a). The FDA approved Plegridy for the treatment of people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). Plegridy Pen, a ready-to-use autoinjector, or a prefilled syringe can be used to administer Plegridy subcutaneously. Plegridy’s less frequent dosing schedule (once every two weeks) could help it gain share from other beta interferon treatments that are currently available.

Meanwhile, data on Plegridy showed that it significantly reduced annualized relapse rate at one year by 36% compared to placebo. The risk of 12-week confirmed disability progression was down by 38% in patients on Plegridy compared to placebo. Plegridy also significantly reduced the number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions (by 86%) and reduced new or newly enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions (67%) compared to placebo.

Biotech Stock News

With Plegridy’s approval, Biogen has strengthened its MS portfolio further. Biogen’s MS portfolio consists of drugs like Avonex, Tysabri and Tecfidera.

Tecfidera’s performance has been impressive since launch and it holds a leading position in the oral MS market and could very soon be the leading MS treatment in the U.S. We expect the drug to do well in the EU also where it was launched in Feb 2014. Biogen has another MS candidate in its pipeline – daclizumab. Biogen and partner AbbVie (ABBV) reported positive top-line results on daclizumab and are looking to file for approval.

Biotech News Video

Watch this video for more “Biotech” news.

[grabpress_video guid=62c4a5774f3266964d11a28ba963bd81ebc72453 embed_id=2151917]

Biotech Financial News

Last week, Gilead led the major biotechs with its price increasing 8.48% on positive Sovaldi updates. Biogen (BIIB) continues to strengthen its position in the multiple sclerosis (MS) market. The company has added yet another MS drug to its portfolio in the U.S. with the FDA approval of Plegridy. Plegridy’s less frequent dosing schedule (once every two weeks) could help it gain share from other beta interferon treatments that are currently available.

Thanks for visiting the TechNews.org website. Be sure to catch all BioTech financial news, bookmark us and check all the videos and news articles regarding Biotech business news.