BG-12 Positive in First Phase III; Biogen Poised for Oral MS Entry

Biogen Idec Inc.'s immune modulator BG-12 (dimethyl fumarate) yielded better-than-expected top-line data in its first Phase III trial, news that bodes well for the Cambridge, Mass.-based firm's foray into the oral multiple sclerosis (MS) drug market and may help stave off competitive threats to its lucrative MS franchise.