Genentech & Biogen-Idec Tank Rituxan Hopes on Lupus Treatment (DNA, BIIB)

Health and Healthcare

Published: April 29, 2008 8:29 am

Genentech, Inc. (NYSE:DNA) and Biogen Idec, Inc. (Nasdaq:BIIB) came out this morning with some disappointing news.

The biotech giants have announced that a Phase II/III study of Rituxan for lupus has failed to meet its primary endpoint defined as the proportion of Rituxan treated patients who achieved a major clinical response or partial clinical response.

Unfortunately, this study results also failed to meet any of the six secondary endpoints. Genentech and Biogen Idec said they will continue to analyze the study results and will submit the data for presentation at an upcoming medical meeting.

Based on the reaction, they can analyze all they want and it doesn’t look like it will matter. Right before the open, Genentech shares are down almost 5% to $69.70 and Biogen-Idec shares are down almost 5% at $61.50.

Jon C. Ogg
April 29, 2008

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