EXHIBIT 99.1

                     EUROPEAN APPROVAL OF AMEVIVE(R) DELAYED

               Committee Requests Additional Clinical Information

Cambridge, MA (February 20, 2003) - Biogen, Inc. (NASDAQ/BGEN) announced today
that the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP), the scientific
advisory body of the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA), requested more
information relating to its application for AMEVIVE(R) (alefacept) for
psoriasis. In the final assessment received this week, the CPMP determined that
more clinical information is needed to approve the product. Biogen has withdrawn
its application and plans to develop the additional clinical information
necessary to obtain approval of AMEVIVE for psoriasis patients in Europe.
Developing the data and re-filing the application to gain approval could take
several years.

This action should have no impact on the company's 2003 financial guidance.
Biogen will be evaluating the impact on guidance for 2004 and beyond,
considering the delay of European revenue as well as sales and marketing
expense, and updating this outlook in its quarterly earnings call.

ABOUT BIOGEN

Biogen is the world's oldest independent biotechnology company and a leader in
biologics research, development and manufacturing. A pioneer in leading edge
research in immunology, neurobiology and oncology, Biogen brings novel therapies
to improve patients' lives around the world through its global marketing
capabilities. For press releases and additional information about the company,
please visit http://www.biogen.com.

SAFE HARBOR

In addition to historical information, this press release contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Reference is made in
particular to plans for the development of additional clinical data in response
to the determination of the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP)
and the Company's expectations regarding the impact of the decision on financial
results. These statements are based on the Company's current beliefs and
expectations as to such future outcomes. There is no assurance that the Company
will be able to generate data satisfactory to the CPMP. There are also a number
of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual financial results to differ
materially from our expectations. For example, financial results may be affected
by the impact of competitive products on AVONEX (interferon beta-1a) sales, any
slowing of growth of the multiple sclerosis market, any change in market
acceptance of AVONEX in key markets worldwide, the level of success in launching
AMEVIVE in the United States and the impact on expenses of development, sales
and marketing



activities and in-licensing and product opportunities as well as the other risks
and uncertainties described from time to time in the Company's periodic reports
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
The company will host a call for investors at 9:00 a.m. EST on February 20,
2003, and will be accessible through the investor relations section of Biogen's
homepage, http://www.biogen.com.