An exclusive agreement announced today gives UCB the right to commercialize Biogen Idec products in South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, and both develop and commercialize products in China.

Under the terms of the deal, Biogen Idec will supply UCB with its portfolio of multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies and investigational candidates, including Tecfidera®, Fampyra®, Avonex®, TysabriI®, Plegridy™ and Daclizumab High-Yield Process (DAC HYP). The relationship also includes Eloctate™ and Alprolix™, Biogen Idec’s investigational long-acting recombinant candidates for hemophilia A and B, respectively.

“Our goal is to bring our innovative therapies to patients around the world as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Carlos Dourado, svp, emerging markets at Biogen Idec. “By leveraging UCB’s extensive resources, expertise, and infrastructure in Asia, we believe we can grow our footprint in critical Asian markets, get our therapies to patients more quickly, and create a foundation for further commercial success in this region.”

Yesterday, Biogen Idec reported a successful 2013. Total revenues for the period were $6.9 billion, a 26% increase over the previous year. According to the company, this performance was driven by significant growth in the multiple sclerosis franchise.

“2013 was a great year for Biogen Idec and the patients we serve,” said CEO George A. Scangos, in a statement. “Our existing products continued to perform well and the rapid growth of Tecfidera—from launch to its position today as the number one prescribed oral MS therapy in the U.S.—is a testament to our ability to develop and effectively bring new drugs to patients.”

Dr. Scangos added, “We are entering an exciting period as we plan for three new potential product launches this year, including two treatments for patients with hemophilia and the first pegylated interferon for MS—as well as the potential approval and launch of Tecfidera in Europe.”

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