Biogen Idec Names Robert Hamm Chief Operating Officer

Biogen Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB) today named Robert A. Hamm Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company. Mr. Hamm has been Executive Vice President, Pharmaceutical Operations & Technology at the company since 2007. As COO, he will add Global Business Operations to his responsibilities, effective immediately. Mr. Hamm replaces Hans Peter Hasler, who is leaving the company.

"Bob has vast experience in virtually all aspects of our operations,” said Jim Mullen, Chief Executive Officer. "His strong commercial understanding and outstanding leadership qualities make him an excellent choice to be our COO. I want to thank Hans Peter for his many years of service at Biogen Idec during a period of tremendous growth and International expansion. We wish him well.”

Mr. Hamm, 57, joined Biogen Idec in 1994. He served as Senior Vice President, Neurology Strategic Business Unit beginning from 2004 to 2007. Previously he served in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President, Europe, Africa, Canada and Middle East; Vice President, Sales and Marketing; Vice President, Manufacturing & Engineering; and Director, Northern Europe and Distributors Markets. From 1987 to 1994, he held a variety of management positions at Syntex Laboratories Corp.

About Biogen Idec

Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in therapeutic areas with high unmet medical needs. Biogen Idec is a global leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative therapies. Patients in more than 90 countries benefit from Biogen Idec's significant products that address diseases such as lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com.

Important Information

Biogen Idec and its directors, executive officers and other members of its management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of Biogen Idec in connection with the Company's 2009 annual meeting of stockholders. Information concerning the interests of participants in the solicitation of proxies will be included in any proxy statement filed by Biogen Idec in connection with the Company's 2009 annual meeting of stockholders.

In addition, Biogen Idec files annual, quarterly and special reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The proxy statements and other reports, when available, can be obtained free of charge at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov or from Biogen Idec at www.biogenidec.com. Biogen Idec stockholders are advised to read carefully any proxy statement filed in connection with the Company's 2009 annual meeting of stockholders when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decision. The Company's proxy statement will also be available for free by writing to Biogen Idec Inc., 14 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142. In addition, copies of the proxy materials may be requested from our proxy solicitor, Innisfree M&A Incorporated, by toll-free telephone at (877) 750-5836 or by e-mail at info@innisfreema.com.