Sep 30 2007, 1:01 PM EST
News source: Business Wire
Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) announced today the publication of findings from a preclinical study reporting that the anti-LINGO-1 antibody can promote spinal cord remyelination and axonal integrity, suggesting a potential role as a treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The results are published in the October issue of Nature Medicine, and confirm previously published data that suggested a role for the anti-LINGO-1 antibody in CNS myelin repair.
LINGO-1 appears to act as a molecular switch that controls the ability of cells in the CNS to produce myelin, the protective cellular sheath surrounding nerve fibers that assists nerves in conducting electrical impulses. When myelin is damaged by autoimmune diseases such as MS, nerve cells lose their ability to send signals to the body. As this damage progresses, these cells may eventually die, contributing to disability. Although MS therapies can slow the progression of this damage, none are able to repair the lost myelin. Biogen Idec scientists had previously discovered that LINGO-1 may act to prevent myelin repair after injury. In the study published today, by blocking LINGO-1, scientists were able to promote myelin repair and improve recovery in an animal model of MS.
"While preliminary, these findings are encouraging and suggest that the anti-LINGO-1 antibody has the potential to repair some of the damage caused to the CNS. This may be an entirely new approach to treating MS," said Alfred Sandrock, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Neurology Research and Development, Biogen Idec. "The anti-LINGO-1 program is a key part of our research and development efforts in MS. We have a diverse pipeline of therapeutic candidates targeting multiple pathways and patient needs with the goal of offering a portfolio of options for people living with this devastating disease."
In the study, functional recovery from demyelination was modeled by tracking the disease progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely accepted animal model for studying the clinical and pathological features of MS. The anti-LINGO-1 antibody was administered before disease onset and was found to decrease the severity of EAE across all stages of disease progression, when compared to the control treatment group. In a related study, anti-LINGO-1 antibody treatment resulted in significantly reduced EAE symptoms even when it was administered after disease onset.
The study found that functional recovery, as measured by EAE scores, correlated with improved axonal integrity and axonal remyelination. Physiological improvements in axonal integrity were revealed by magnetic resonance DTI imaging. At the cellular level, the production of new myelin sheaths was revealed by histological staining and electron microscopy.
"This is a very exciting early indication that therapies targeted at myelin repair within the CNS can have a dramatic effect on behavioral functional outcome in models of multiple sclerosis, and opens the door for the identification of additional regulators of myelin repair that might be used to enhance functional recovery in patients with MS," said Robert H. Miller, PhD, Principal Investigator, Myelin Repair Foundation and Director of the Center for Translational Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University.
Anti-LINGO-1 was discovered by Biogen Idec and is one of several programs in the company's industry-leading research and development efforts in MS. In addition to its two marketed products, the company has four programs in clinical development for the treatment of MS.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Founded in 1978, Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec's significant products that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding anti-LINGO-1 antibody, which is currently in the preclinical stage of drug development. Drug development involves a high degree of risk. Only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from Biogen Idec's current expectations include the risk that the company may not be able to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of anti-LINGO-1 antibody at each stage of the clinical trial process; technical hurdles relating to the manufacture of anti-LINGO-1 antibody may be encountered; the company may not be able to meet applicable regulatory standards or regulatory authorities may fail to approve anti-LINGO-1 antibody; and the company may encounter other unexpected hurdles. For more detailed information on the risks and uncertainties associated with Biogen Idec's drug development and other activities, see the periodic and current reports that the company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Biogen Idec assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
