We have a name for BG-12 now: Tecfidera

[TLC_31]

Say that 10 times fast. I've already had to double- and triple-check the spelling.

The website went up in the last day or two, doesn't offer any insight yet, but they'd love to get names on their mailing list.

http://www.tecfidera.com/

[TLC_31]

More news late in the week: Tecfidera is one major step closer to approval in Europe. The news release asserts that judgement day in the U.S. is next week.

http://www.biogenidec.com/PRESS_RELEASE_DETAILS.aspx?ID=5981&ReqId=1799179

Insurances can't even address it publicly until approval is certain. I suspect mine will cover it because it does cover the two recently introduced oral drugs, and Tecfidera reportedly will be priced no more expensive than those.

[SarahL2491]

well hopefully all will be ironed out by the time I have my 24 infusions in.  Just wish a price for various insurances would post so I can see if I am chasing a ghost I can't afford.

Thanks for the link L

[TLC_31]

We have another patent now for Tecfidera, and this patent will expire in 2028. It covers the dosing regimen of daily administration of 480 mg (two pills/capsules of 240 mg each) of Tecfidera.

It still appears on track for FDA ruling late next week.

http://www.biogenidec.com/PRESS_RELEASE_DETAILS.aspx?ID=5981&ReqId=1798029

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-19/biogen-idec-gets-new-u-s-patent-for-multiple-sclerosis-drug.html

[Lulu54]

I missed seeing this from January  and posted on the new name earlier today  - the site for the drug is open only to medical personnel with the appropriate license number- we continue to wait as consumers for more information.   All I can tell you is it will be expensive and TEVA continues to fight its release.

[TLC_31]

Bumping for those that have been out of the loop for more than two weeks.

Unfortunately, a scan of the internet today offers no new insight about when Tecfidera hits market. But the financial reporters are still high on Biogen largely because of the drug.

Sad that Biogen doesn't have an information site for prospective users, but I suppose there are FDA rules against that sort of thing.

[Guitar_grrrl]

Agreed!  The names they come up with can be just silly!  In any case, I'm hoping this leads to a release sooner than later.  I'm happy on Tysabri, and since I'm JC negative (and I get tested regularly) I can take it for a long time.  But if that ever changes, Tecfidera will be my next choice!

[daisy900]

Aww site is blocked out side the US

[TLC_31]

Oops, should have read the fine print.

As far as side effects, I'm sure that has been discussed here, but I found this link:

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/19/ms-drug-with-unusual-history-shows-promise/

"BG-12 is not without side effects. The two-year clinical trials showed common side effects including skin flushing and some nausea, vomiting and diarrhea - usually in the first month. After that, Fox (a neurologist quoted for the story) says, patients did quite well. What hasn't been seen in patients so far is an increased risk of infections or cancer with this drug, says Fox."

[SarahL2491]

I can't find any information, site says for professionals only

Anyone know what the side effects and warnings are on this new drug?