Biogen opts in for Ionis' nusinersen on Phase III readout

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ:BIIB) exercised its exclusive option to obtain worldwide rights to nusinersen ( IONIS-SMNRx) from Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS). The partners said Monday they would stop the Phase III ENDEAR study of nusinersen to treat infantile-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) after the therapy met a co-primary endpoint. They expect to submit regulatory applications for the candidate by YE16.

In a prespecified interim analysis, infants who received nusinersen for at least six months had significantly improved motor milestones as evaluated by the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination vs. sham procedure. ...