Biogen Idec joins global multiple sclerosis community to celebrate third annual World MS Day

Biogen IdecMay 25 2011

Today, Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) will join the global multiple sclerosis (MS) community in celebrating the third annual World MS Day. Biogen Idec continues to be the industry leader in researching and providing groundbreaking therapies for MS. So far in 2011, the company has brought more hope to MS patients through a number of significant milestones. These milestones include:

The positive CHMP opinion in Europe for FAMPYRA^® (prolonged-release fampridine tablets) for the improvement of walking ability for adult patients with MS with walking disability (EDSS 4-7). FAMPYRA demonstrated efficacy in people with all types of the disease. FAMPYRA also received approval in Australia.

• Positive Phase 3 clinical results for its investigational oral compound BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate). If approved, BG-12 will be the company's first oral disease modifying therapy and may represent a new treatment option for relapsing remitting MS patients.
• Biogen Idec, along with its partner Elan Pharmaceuticals, this year anticipate the 1 millionth infusion of TYSABRI^® (natalizumab), a therapy that has advanced the treatment of MS with its established efficacy. In addition, in June, the companies will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the reintroduction of TYSABRI in the United States.
• AVONEX^® (interferon beta-1a), a medicine with more than 20 years of clinical experience, which has now been prescribed to more than 388,000 patients worldwide with almost 1.4 million patient years of experience, celebrates its 15^th anniversary of FDA approval in the United States.

"Biogen Idec is proud to be a leader in the fight against MS and is committed to providing support and hope for all those affected by the disease," said John Richert, M.D.,Vice President and Senior Neurology Fellow, Biogen Idec. "Our long-term goals are to continue working with the global community to raise awareness of the impact of MS on the lives of those affected, as well as provide convenient and effective treatment options."

In 2011, Biogen Idec is also intensifying its European awareness initiative, "Mobility Matters in MS," with the ambition to increase awareness about the significant impact mobility impairment has on the quality of life of people affected by MS. Mobility Matters in MS provides support to people affected by mobility challenges and helps to define, validate, and share mobility assessments and management techniques.

The program includes a comprehensive website (www.mobilitymattersinms.com), a Mobility Champions' Toolkit resource for physicians and MS centers to effectively identify, manage, and improve mobility impairment in people with MS. It includes patient support leaflets, assessment tests, and an exercise video, and will be available to download and order via the 'Mobility Matters in MS' website.

On World MS Day Biogen Idec is supporting a wide range of activities across the globe. Highlights include:

• Austria: Hosting a cinema night to showcase a much anticipated film developed by MS patients on the relationship among MS, travel, and mobility.
• Brazil: Hosting a patient event with one of Brazil's leading comedienne who has MS.
• Finland: Announcing survey data on MS patients' fears, expectations and desires.
• France: Bringing MS patients, family, and their caregivers together in a "House of MS" in various cities in France to discuss MS, to join yoga sessions, and to meet medical specialists.
• Japan: Organizing a writing competition where MS patients submit a short story telling about their life with MS and their dreams despite having MS.
• Netherlands: Sponsoring a MS recipe book created jointly by a MS nurse and a local patient group. In addition, an insightful MS patient documentary will be broadcast on national television.
• Spain: Colleagues are running a 10 kilometer race to raise money for charity and support patient organization initiatives that educate on current and future treatment options.
• Switzerland: Organizing a competitive "Step by Step" pedometer challenge for MS treating doctors. The proceeds will be donated to the Swiss MS Society.
• Sweden: Launching a Family Planning book, which highlights how to speak about difficult issues, such as receiving a MS diagnose and explaining the disease to their children.
• United Kingdom: Launching a "Mobility Matters in MS" Facebook page and Twitter feed with the aim of improving understanding about the importance of mobility in MS.
• United States: Celebrating with the MS community the 15^th anniversary of FDA approval for AVONEX.