Biogen Lou Gehrig’s disease drug fails in key trial

(Reuters) – An experimental drug to combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease in the United States, failed to work in an important trial and Biogen Idec said it would stop development of the treatment. The drug, dexpramipexole, had shown promise and seemed to work against ALS in a mid-stage clinical trial in 2011, creating hope for patients suffering from the progressive, fatal disease, who currently have few options. Biogen shares, which rose 25 percent in 2012, fell 2 percent. …