BIO-1211 (Biogen)

Biogen, in collaboration with Merck & Co, is developing late activator VLA-4 (alpha4beta1) integrin antagonists for the potential treatment of inflammatory conditions [271194]. Merck has begun phase II trials with the lead compound, BIO-1211, for asthma, Biogen is still conducting preclinical research for its designated indications [317648,319225]. Under the collaborative agreement, each company has worldwide rights to certain indications; Merck has rights for asthma and Biogen retains the rights to a number of smaller indications, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, renal indications and most diseases in which the US patient population is less than 200,000 [271194]. VLA-4 inhibitors show anti-inflammatory action by inhibition of binding between adhesion factors and leukocytes, but with no loss of basophil function, and they have the advantage of specificity not seen with existing drugs [273417]. In February 1999, Lehman Brothers predicted 40% probabilities that the compound would reach the US and ex-US markets for the asthma indication (Merck), and launch onto these markets by 2003. Peak annual sales of US dollar 500 million (US) and US dollar 500 million (outside US) are predicted, both in 2010 [319225].