IQWiG finds no added benefit for Biogen Idec’s Tecfidera

In its early benefit assessment, the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) has examined whether US biotech firm Biogen Idec’s (Nasdaq: BIIB) new drug Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for multiple sclerosis (MS) offers an added benefit over the appropriate comparator therapy specified by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). However, no added benefit can be determined, as no suitable data are available, neither for the direct nor for the indirect comparison, the IQWiG concluded.

MS is a chronic and incurable inflammatory disease of the central nervous system, which often has a relapsing course. If the symptoms disappear completely or at least largely after a relapse, the disease is referred to as “relapsing remitting” (RRMS).

Dimethyl fumarate is taken as a tablet. The exact mode of action in MS is not yet known. Fumaric acid (including dimethyl fumarate) has long been used for the treatment of moderately severe to severe types of psoriasis in patients who do not respond sufficiently to topical treatment.