Biogen plans to expand its therapeutic portfolio to include drugs for non cancerous blood disorders according to Reuters. Acording to CEO George Scangos, the company wants to become less dependent on its two lead products for multiple sclerosis Tysabri and Avonex in the future. It sees that it has a position to exploit with disorders like thalassemia and hemophilia.
Biogen currently has two products for hemophilia in phase III. It's Factor IX product is designed to stay in the body three times longer than current products on the market and thus can be given in a one-dose weekly regimen versus every other day. Biogen feels the reduced dose regimen will be very attractive to patients who must endure multiple infusions per week now. It's Factor VIII product is similarly targeted to allow for fewer doses per week. Currently the Factor IX market is about $1 B and Factor XIII is about $5 B in size.
Posted by Bruce Lehr March 4th 2011.
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