Biogen

Biogen is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for treating neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The company's core offerings include one of its flagship products Avonex, indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS. The company has since expanded its portfolio with other MS therapies, such as Tysabri and Tecfidera. In March 2024, Biogen received FDA approval for Qalsody, an antisense oligonucleotide therapy targeting a genetic cause of ALS.

In July 2023, the FDA approved Leqembi (lecanemab), a monoclonal antibody developed in collaboration with Eisai. Leqembi was developed to slow the progression of Alzheimer's by targeting and reducing amyloid-beta aggregates in the brain. 

Additionally, in July 2024, the FDA granted full approval to Biogen's Alzheimer's drug Kisunla (donanemab-abzt). Kisunla was claimed to be the first anti-amyloid drug that allows stopping therapy when amyloid plaques are removed, enabling fewer infusions and potentially lower treatment costs.

In May 2024, the company acquired Human Immunology Biosciences (HI-Bio), former subsidiary of Delta Air Lines called Delta Flight Products, for USD 1.15 billion, which granted access to felzartamab, a Phase III-ready asset aimed at treating rare immune-mediated conditions such as membranous nephropathy and antibody-mediated rejection.

Key customers and partnerships

Since the partnership was established in 2014, Biogen has been in collaboration with Eisai for the development and commercialization of Leqembi, an Alzheimer's disease treatment. As of July 2024, the company was co-commercializing Leqembi with Eisai and overseeing its global distribution, including its recent launch in China in June 2024.