CDP323 : Biogen Idec Press Release: UCB and Biogen Idec to Collaborate on Oral Multiple Sclerosis Therapy
UCB (Euronext Brussels: UCB) and Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) today announced a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize CDP323 for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and other potential indications. CDP323 is an orally active small molecule a4-integrin inhibitor expected to enter Phase II clinical trials next year.

"Multiple Sclerosis affects more than a million people worldwide and we are delighted to be collaborating with Biogen Idec on our exciting CDP323 program. CDP323 has arisen from UCB's in-depth understanding of integrin biology and chemistry to address this difficult protein target. Our outstanding Phase I results encourage us to move rapidly into Phase II trials in MS patients. We believe that if trials are successful CDP323 could make a real difference for MS patients with this severe and debilitating disease," stated Melanie Lee, Executive Vice President, Research & Development for UCB.

"We are always looking to enhance and expand our arsenal in the fight against MS," said Al Sandrock, Senior Vice President, Neurology Research and Development for Biogen Idec. "Another effective oral therapy would augment Biogen Idec's broad portfolio of products and potential therapies in development for this debilitating disease

About CDP323
CDP323 is a potent and orally active small molecule prodrug antagonist of a4-integrins. The safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of CDP323 have been evaluated in healthy volunteers in three separate Phase I studies. CDP323 was well tolerated with an adverse event profile comparable to placebo. Data from these studies have been reported at the 2006 European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS)....