Growing its leadership position in multiple sclerosis (MS), advancing its late-state pipeline, leveraging R&D capabilities to grow its early-stage pipeline and preparing for potential launches of new high-impact therapies are among Biogen Idec’s recently announced 2012 strategic priorities.

To grow its leadership position in MS, Biogen Idec plans to advance its Avonex franchise, expand Fampyra’s European footprint through additional launches and boost Tysabri sales by better identifying patients at risk of side effects.

Advancing Biogen Idec’s late-stage pipeline will be achieved by continuing to advance the daclizumb phase III program in MS, as well as delivering the data readout from the first phase III trial of dexpramipexole in ALS by year-end.

Biogen Idec said it hopes to grow its early-state pipeline by building world-class scientific teams in core therapeutic areas; advancing the company’s internal early-state pipeline programs; advancing existing collaborations (e.g., Portola Pharmaceuticals, Isis Pharmaceuticals); entering into new collaborations in neurology, immunology and hemophelia; continuing to focus its research and early discovery efforts and increasing its emphasis on translational research (e.g., biomarker and imaging technologies).

Through its joint venture with Samsung, Biogen Idec said it hopes to leverage its expertise and capabilities in protein engineering, cell line development and recombinant biologics manufacturing to position the company to participate in the emerging market for biosimilars.