This is just an FYI regarding Avonex production from Biogen's recent investor conference call. Note that *no* bad Avonex was released-- they are having problems at the factory, but that does mean that they may have problems supplying demand.

Also, does anyone else get a kick out of them calling Avonex the "older multiple sclerosis drug"? Just a few years ago, there were NO MS drugs! Hope springs eternal...

"Analysts expressed concern that the company said it had experienced some problems at the end stages of manufacturing some batches of its new liquid form of Avonex, its older multiple sclerosis drug.

"As a result, we have had to write down a number of batches. If these problems continue, we would likely have to incur additional charges and could potentially experience an interruption in the supply of Avonex," Chief Executive Jim Mullen said on the call.

"Plant shutdowns aren't an issue. It's a small technical issue on the full finish end not on the bulk," he said. "We think we can work through this situation."