Avonex Syringe Component Approval Is "Good News" Despite Charge, Biogen Idec Says

FDA's approval in March of a new component for the pre-filled syringe is "good news" for the MS therapy but resulted in a first quarter charge of $11 mil. for finished product that is no longer needed, the company says. Avonex sales grew 5.4% during the quarter, driven by international gains.