Biogen Idec's ( BIIB ) shares were up slightly (0.62%) on the FDA approval of multiple sclerosis (MS) product, Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a). The FDA approved Plegridy for the treatment of people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). Plegridy Pen, a ready-to-use autoinjector, or a prefilled syringe can be used to administer Plegridy subcutaneously. Plegridy's less frequent dosing schedule (once every two weeks) could help it gain share from other beta interferon treatments that are currently available. Meanwhile, data on Plegridy showed that it significantly reduced annualized relapse rate at one year by 36% compared to placebo. The risk of 12-week confirmed disability progression was down by 38% in patients on Plegridy compared to placebo. Plegridy also significantly reduced the number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions (by 86%) and reduced new or newly enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions (67%) compared to placebo With Plegridy's approval, Biogen has strengthened its MS portfolio further. Biogen's MS portfolio consists of drugs like Avonex, Tysabri and Tecfidera. Tecfidera's performance has been impressive since launch and it holds a leading position in the oral MS market and could very soon be the leading MS treatment in the U.S. We expect the drug to do well in the EU … Continue reading →

By JESSICA DAMICO Staff Writer Daniel Reeves of Fords, left to right, Alicia Cardello of Fords, Jessica Bills of South Amboy and Kristina White of Edison will ride 100 miles in the Bike MS Country Challenge. A lthough it has been a tough road for Jessica Bills who has watched both her parents struggle with multiple sclerosis (MS) in recent years the South Amboy resident has tackled it one bike ride at a time. Jessica, who has been participating in Bike MS rides for four years, was asked to serve as ambassador for the New Jersey Metro Chapters 2014 Bike MS Country Challenge, set for Sept. 20-21. Its an honor, she said, adding that she was thrilled about the opportunity to get her parents story out. Its probably one of the coolest things thats ever happened to me. Unfortunately, the honor stems from one of the worst things to happen. In 1999, when Jessica was a junior in high school, her father, Kelly, began having bad headaches and feeling fatigued, among other symptoms. About a year of endless tests revealed that Kelly had MS. As Kelly began treatment and his symptoms started to improve, Jessicas mother, Janet, started having strange … Continue reading →

St. Loius, MO (PRWEB) August 19, 2014 Castlewood Treatment Center for Eating Disorders is proud to support the 2014 National Conference on Addiction Disorders and Behavioral Healthcare Leadership Summit by being a treatment center tour sponsor. As part of the sponsorship, Castlewood Treatment Center is hosting a tour of its St. Louis facility and leading a continuing education workshop on Friday, Aug. 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop, Working the Shame and Vulnerability in Eating Disorder and Addiction, will be led by Castlewoods primary therapist Katie Thompson, MS, LPC, NCC. In addition to the sponsorship, Castlewood will have a presence at the conference on the exhibit floor and will have several of their staff members in attendance who specialize in chemical dependency and substance abuse. These staff members will have the opportunity to participate in sessions and receive continuing education credits. For those unable to attend the tour and workshop on Friday evening, Castlewood staff will be available to give tours throughout the conference, upon request. At Castlewood, we have a commitment to our clients to provide the highest quality of care, said Nancy Albus, CEO, Castlewood Treatment Center. Participating in conferences like the National Conference on … Continue reading →