21 May 2013 - 21 May 2013 - US biotechnology company Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) said today it has filed a Biologics Licence Application with the FDA for the approval of Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a), a pegilated form of interferon beta-1a, for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The submission is based on Biogen's Phase III Advance trial results, demonstrating that Plegridy reduces disease activity, such as disability progression and brain lesions compared to placebo.

Plegridy has less frequent dosing schedule and "has the potential to become a preferred interferon treatment option", said Biogen Idec's executive Douglas Williams.

In the next few weeks, Biogen also plans to submit a marketing authorisation application to the European Medicines Agency for Plegridy.