Tag: Biogen Idec

Analysis: Drug industry bets on new blockbusters in 2013

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Logo of Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche is pictured in RotkreuzLONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) – Drugmakers are betting that a new wave of medicines for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and hepatitis will shape up as tomorrow's blockbusters in the coming 12 months. With the industry regaining some of its swagger after winning 39 new drug approvals last year – a record only beaten in 1996 – there are signs the improving trend could continue through 2013. Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly, Biogen Idec, Gilead Sciences and Novo Nordisk are among those with important new products reaching a critical point in development this year. …

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Biogen Lou Gehrig’s disease drug fails in key trial

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A pedestrian passes the sign outside the headquarters of Biogen Idec Inc. in Cambridge(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. …

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