Biogen Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Biogen has received marketing authorization from the European Commission for VUMERITY (diroximel fumarate), a next-generation oral treatment for adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The approval builds on Biogen's reputation in MS therapies and follows similar authorizations in the U.S., Great Britain, and Switzerland. Data from Phase 3 trials indicate that VUMERITY has a favorable gastrointestinal tolerability profile, resulting in lower discontinuation rates compared to TECFIDERA. The launch aims to provide patients flexibility in treatment adherence amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) announced that Dr. Alfred Sandrock, Head of Research & Development, will retire on December 31, 2021, after 23 years with the company. He has spearheaded the development of key therapies such as Tysabri, Tecfidera, Spinraza, and Aduhelm. Priya Singhal will serve as interim Head of Research & Development until a permanent successor is found. Biogen's CEO and Board acknowledged Dr. Sandrock's significant contributions, emphasizing his impact on R&D and the company's growth.

Biogen and Eisai announced significant findings from ADUHELM's Phase 3 trials at the CTAD conference. Analysis of over 7,000 plasma samples revealed that ADUHELM notably lowered plasma p-tau181, a biomarker for tau tangles in Alzheimer's, in a dose- and time-dependent manner compared to placebo. The reduction in p-tau181 correlated with decreased amyloid beta plaque and less cognitive decline, supporting ADUHELM's efficacy. The EMERGE high-dose group showed a 13% decrease in p-tau181, while ENGAGE showed a 16% decrease. These results strengthen the case for ADUHELM as a treatment option in early Alzheimer's disease.

Eisai and Biogen have announced the use of plasma-based biomarkers in their Phase 3 AHEAD 3-45 clinical trial for lecanemab, an investigational treatment for Alzheimer's disease. This innovative approach aims to improve screening efficiency by identifying cognitively unimpaired individuals eligible for PET imaging. Results from 659 participants indicate that the Aβ42/40 ratio accurately predicts PET eligibility (AUC of 0.87). The trial, which began in July 2020, is pivotal for early Alzheimer's research and was presented at the CTAD conference.

Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. presented positive results from sensitivity analyses of lecanemab at the CTAD conference, demonstrating consistent efficacy for patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lecanemab outperformed placebo in several key assessments including the Alzheimer’s Disease Composite Score (ADCOMS). The Phase 2b trial achieved super-superiority in clinical change and identified an effective dosing strategy. The companies continue to advance lecanemab through ongoing studies, seeking regulatory approval under the FDA's accelerated pathway.

Eisai and Biogen presented new findings on lecanemab, an investigational treatment for early Alzheimer's disease, at the CTAD conference on November 9-12, 2021. The results from the Phase 2b study and the open-label extension indicated significant reductions in brain amyloid levels within three months, with over 80% of participants achieving amyloid negative status by 12-18 months. The study suggests a potential disease-modifying effect of lecanemab, maintaining clinical benefits even after temporary treatment discontinuation. Additionally, lecanemab exhibited a favorable safety profile, with low incidence of ARIA-E.

Biogen (BIIB) announced it will present new data on ADUHELM at the upcoming Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference from November 9-12, 2021. Highlighting the largest dataset in early Alzheimer’s research with over 3,000 patients, a late-breaking presentation will focus on ADUHELM's effect on plasma phosphorylated tau181 reduction, correlating with amyloid beta plaques and clinical decline. Additionally, data from the EMBARK trial will be discussed, examining the impact of stopping treatment on disease progression. The findings aim to advance understanding and treatment decisions in Alzheimer's disease.

Sage Therapeutics and Biogen announced plans to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) for the investigational drug zuranolone aimed at treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in the second half of 2022. Following successful discussions with the FDA, their filing will include data from key clinical studies. A subsequent NDA for Postpartum Depression (PPD) is anticipated in early 2023. Both companies aim to launch marketing for zuranolone upon FDA approval, presenting a potential solution for millions suffering from depression worldwide.