Biogen Idec has shortened its name to just Biogen and has introduced a new corporate identity and logo. Biogen Idec was created in 2003 through the merger of Biogen and IDEC Pharmaceuticals. The company has since focused R&D efforts in three core areas: neurology, immunology and hematology.
 
“Though we will no longer be known as Biogen Idec, we will continue to honor the contributions of IDEC to our growth, to patients and to society,” said George A. Scangos, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Biogen. “IDEC was the source of two important cancer treatments that have helped millions of patients worldwide and contributed tremendously to our success. While our name and logo are new, our mission remains unchanged: We are firmly based in science, focused on patients and determined to create meaningful therapies for serious medical conditions.”
 
Biogen also recently announced positive interim results from a Phase Ib study of aducanumab (BIIB037) demonstrating that the drug, which targets plaque buildup in the brain, slowed cognitive decline in patients with early and mild forms of Alzheimer’s disease. The company is planning to begin a Phase III study later this year.
 
“This is the first time an investigational drug for Alzheimer’s disease has demonstrated a statistically significant reduction on amyloid plaque as well as a statistically significant slowing of clinical impairment in patients with prodromal or mild disease,” said Alfred Sandrock, M.D., Ph.D., group senior vice president and chief medical officer at Biogen.