Tecfidera (BG-12) in Europe delayed

[Lulu54]

Tecfidera will not be made available in Europe until later this year, according to these headlines.  Biogen is seeking to get patent protection for their drug before its commercial release.  The details are in this story from Reuters.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/30/biogen-msdrug-eu-idUSL3N0EB2Y920130530

[Lulu54]

From what I read it has nothing to do with the drug approval, but which formulation can be given the greatest/longest protection under patent laws to cover the profits.  At least that was my take on it.  Keep us posted, ok?

[immisceo]

Was just looking into this drug last night via MS Ireland's latest newsletter. It actually has European Medicines Agency approval, which it received almost simultaneously with FDA approval. However, as you say, this Reuters piece indicates delays in its actual release in Europe.

Though they didn't make it clear what the estimates were based on, the MS Ireland newsletter stated that it should be available for patients in Ireland in late 2014 (c. 18 months). I do not know if this holds true for the privately insured as well or if this is an estimate for it being provided free-of-charge through the HSE's Long-term Illness Scheme (which currently covers C.R.A.B.s medications, Gilenya and Tysabri I believe).

I'm also unsure if this latest delay will effect that estimate. They haven't yet responded on their website. Hopefully I can update with their response soon. Thanks for posting this.