Biogen

STAT’s biotech scorecard for Q3 highlights key events for Amylyx Pharmaceuticals and Biogen. Amylyx will report Phase 3 results for avexitide in post-bariatric hypoglycemia, while Biogen will present detailed data from a mid-stage Alzheimer’s trial for diranersen on July 14.

Dr. Alexander Wiseman and Dr. Carrie A Schinstock, paid partners of Biogen, are involved in research on AMR and MVI. Dr. Schinstock serves as a principal investigator for ongoing studies in these areas, with approximately 23,000 kidney transplants occurring annually in the U.S.

Biogen is acquiring RayThera for up to $1 billion, adding small-molecule anti-inflammatory drug candidates to its pipeline. The lead asset from RayThera is expected to begin human trials this summer.

Biogen and Denali Therapeutics' experimental Parkinson's drug targeting the LRRK2 protein failed to slow disease progression in a clinical trial, dealing a setback to a promising scientific approach. Separately, Genentech is offering researchers up to $125,000 in grants to produce papers on pharmaceutical pricing policies and innovation, raising questions about the independence of such research.

Biogen and Denali Therapeutics announced that their experimental Parkinson's disease drug failed to meet primary endpoints in a Phase 2b clinical trial involving 648 patients. The drug targeted LRRK2 protein, which researchers had hoped could benefit all Parkinson's patients, but the results represent a significant setback to this therapeutic approach.

Biogen is advancing its Alzheimer's drug to a late-stage trial despite disappointing data, with signals suggesting the treatment decreases levels of tau and slows cognitive decline. The treatment appears to be most effective at the lowest dose. This development is a significant step in the search for an effective Alzheimer's treatment.

Biogen reported mixed results from a clinical trial for an Alzheimer's disease treatment, while Takeda Pharmaceutical plans to cut about 4,500 jobs as part of a restructuring effort. The Biogen drug, diranersen, reduced levels of tau in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's and slowed cognitive decline. Takeda expects annual savings of over $1.27 billion by fiscal 2028.

Biogen's tau-targeting Alzheimer's drug diranersen showed mixed results in a mid-stage clinical trial, reducing tau levels and slowing cognitive decline, but failed to achieve its primary efficacy goal. The study investigated three escalating dosing regimens, with the lowest dose showing the best results. Biogen reported that tau reductions correlated to a slowing of cognitive decline.