MS drug off to impressive launch with $286m sales in third quarter

Biogen Idec yesterday reported $286m (€207m) in third-quarter sales of its high-profile new multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera, providing fresh evidence that the medicine is off to an impressive launch and exceeding expectations.

The company also reported higher-than-expected earnings for the quarter and raised its full-year profit and revenue forecasts as its shares rose more than 3%.

In just its second quarter on the market, Tecfidera sales easily topped Wall Street analysts’ increased forecasts of between $205m and $235m. It had chalked up sales of $192m in its first quarter on the market.