Inject

Biotechnology firm Biogen Idec has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a) to treat people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS).

Plegridy is a subcutaneous injectable therapy indicated for relapsing forms of MS, in which interferon beta-1a is pegylated to extend its half-life to permit a less frequent dosing schedule.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

According to the company, Plegridy is the only pegylated beta interferon approved to use in RMS, which is dosed once every two weeks.

The treatment can be administered subcutaneously with the Plegridy Pen, a ready-to-use autoinjector, or a prefilled syringe.

"Plegridy represents the most significant innovation in the interferon class in over a decade, and is the result of our deep commitment to improving the lives of people with MS."

Biogen Idec CEO Dr George Scangos said: "Plegridy offers people with MS robust efficacy, a safety profile consistent with the established interferon class, and significantly fewer injections than other beta interferon treatments.

"Plegridy represents the most significant innovation in the interferon class in over a decade, and is the result of our deep commitment to improving the lives of people with MS and those who care for them."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Plegridy’s FDA approval was based on results from pivotal studies of beta interferon conducted, Advance, which involved around 1,500 patients with MS.

Advance was a two-year and phase three placebo-controlled (in year one) study, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of Plegridy administered subcutaneously.

Biogen noted that Plegridy was recently approved by the European Commission.

Image: The Plegridy pen, a ready-to-use autoinjector for subcutaneous administration. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire.