Biogen Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Biogen and Ionis announced the discontinuation of the clinical program for BIIB078, an investigational antisense oligonucleotide for C9orf72-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), after it failed to demonstrate clinical benefit in a Phase 1 trial. The study showed no consistent efficacy between the drug and placebo across dose cohorts, with higher doses trending toward a greater decline in secondary endpoints. Despite this setback, both companies remain committed to advancing ALS research and exploring other investigational therapies targeting the disease.

Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced the Phase 1 study results of BIIB078, an investigational drug for C9orf72-associated ALS. The study, involving 106 participants, found that BIIB078 did not demonstrate any clinical benefit and failed to meet secondary efficacy endpoints. As a result, the clinical program for BIIB078 will be discontinued. Although well-tolerated, the study highlighted that the disease mechanism is more complex than initially hypothesized. Both companies remain committed to advancing ALS research and addressing this neurodegenerative disease.

Eisai and Biogen presented key findings on lecanemab, an investigational antibody for early Alzheimer's disease, at the 2022 AD/PD conference. The studies highlighted lecanemab's clinical efficacy, dosing regimens, and amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) rates. Lecanemab demonstrated a rapid and thorough amyloid clearance, with 65% of participants amyloid negative at 12 months. The ongoing Phase 3 Clarity AD trial has 1,795 participants, expecting results in Fall 2022. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for lecanemab in 2021.

Biogen announced that the Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease published data from pivotal Phase 3 EMERGE and ENGAGE trials of ADUHELM (aducanumab-avwa) for early Alzheimer’s disease. The publication includes detailed results on primary, secondary, and tertiary endpoints, along with safety data. ADUHELM received accelerated FDA approval in June 2021 as the first treatment targeting Alzheimer's pathology, contingent on verification of clinical benefit. Biogen now holds sole authority over ADUHELM's development after partnering with Eisai.

Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) has announced positive findings from the long-term extension phase of its Phase 3 trials for ADUHELM (aducanumab-avwa), revealing significant reductions in Alzheimer's disease pathologies, specifically amyloid beta plaques and plasma p-tau181, after nearly 2.5 years of treatment. Patients showing reduced plasma p-tau181 experienced less clinical decline by 78 weeks. The incidence of ARIA-E side effects was noted at 35.2%, with higher rates in APOE ε4 carriers. These results were presented at the international AD/PD 2022 conference.

Biogen and Eisai have amended their collaboration on ADUHELM, transitioning to a global royalty model effective January 1, 2023. Eisai will receive a tiered royalty starting at 2%, peaking at 8% for sales exceeding $1 billion. Biogen gains sole decision-making rights. The partnership for lecanemab remains unchanged, with a 10-year supply agreement extended for commercial manufacturing by Biogen. The companies aim to enhance patient options and value from both therapies, marking a strategic shift in their collaboration.

Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) announced new data from its SMA research program, highlighting the first patient treated in the ASCEND study, which evaluates higher dose nusinersen for previously treated patients. The RESPOND study revealed nine infants with unmet needs after Zolgensma treatment, with no new safety concerns from SPINRAZA. Notable results from the NURTURE study showed that 92% of participants could walk independently, reinforcing the long-term benefits of early SPINRAZA treatment. These findings will be presented at the 2022 MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference.

Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) is set to present new research on Alzheimer’s disease and ADUHELM (aducanumab-avwa) at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD 2022) from March 15-20 in Barcelona, Spain. Key presentations will include a plenary lecture on March 16 discussing ADUHELM’s effects on amyloid beta plaques and cognitive decline, and several oral presentations on March 18 covering recent analyses from Phase 3 clinical trials. Archived presentations will be available on Biogen’s investor website.

Eisai and Biogen announced the initiation of a submission to Japan's PMDA for lecanemab (BAN2401), an investigational antibody for Alzheimer's disease. The submission aims to utilize the 'prior assessment consultation' process to expedite application review. Eisai has submitted non-clinical data and plans to file for manufacturing and marketing approval in Japan during fiscal year 2022, contingent on data from the ongoing Clarity AD Phase 3 study expected in fall 2022. This follows a rolling submission to the U.S. FDA for lecanemab under the Accelerated Approval pathway.