( Posted by- Desinie Smith )
Biogen Idec (NASDAQ:
BIIB) andElan Corporation, plc (NYSE: ELN) today announced enrollment of
the first patient in a global Phase IIIb, randomized, rater-blinded,
active-controlled study designed to evaluate switching to TYSABRI®
(natalizumab) from Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate) or Rebif® (interferon
beta-1a) in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
The study, called SURPASS, is expected to enroll 1,800 patients in 27
countries and provide direct comparative data of different treatment
options for RRMS patients who experience breakthrough disease activity.