Biogen Receives EU Approval For Avonex

The European Commission has approved Biogen's Avonex (interferonbeta-1a) for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis in all the 15 member countries of the European Union.

Data have shown that Avonex-treated patients experienced a 37% reduction in the risk of clinically-significant disability progression compared to the placebo-treated group. In addition, Avonex patients had significantly less frequent exacerbations; 14% of the Avonex group had three or more exacerbations over the course of two years, compared to 32% of the placebo group. The drug must be injected, however, and many patients suffer flu-like symptoms.

Avonex was made available on prescription in the UK last week, where the price to the National Health Service is L730 ($1,159.75) for a four-dose pack, comprising once-weekly injections, said a spokeswoman for the company. It will be made available in Germany and other European markets within a month.