U.S. BUSINESSES JOIN THE SEARCH FOR DM THERAPIES.

A report from the USA gives more evidence of business willingness to invest in finding therapies to help combat Myotonic Dystrophy. Biogen Idec, a major international company involved in drug development, research and marketing, has agreed with California-based Isis Pharmaceuticals to finance research into a potential therapy for DM1. Announcing the deal (involving a potential $270m (£173m) over time) Biogen said :

 “The unmet need is great, and there are currently no therapies to slow or stop progression of the disease. Myotonic dystrophy has an identifiable genetic cause, the program fits with our mission to bring innovative therapies to patients with serious neurologic diseases, and Isis’ antisense compound has the potential to make a real difference.”