Biogen on Thursday said its treatment called anti-LINGO-1 showed potential in a phase 2 trial to reverse the nerve damage in an eye disorder called acute optic neuritis, its first look at a therapy that could have broader implications in multiple sclerosis.

"The study showed no effect on secondary endpoints, including change in thickness of the retinal layers (optic nerve neurons and axons) and visual function, as measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and low contrast letter acuity, respectively," the biotech company said in a statement.

Anti-LINGO is one of the most closely watched treatments in the company's pipeline.



In premarket trading following the announcement, shares of Biogen rose more than 6 percent. (Get the latest quote here.)

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