Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB)
Biogen saw revenues increase by 9% to $3.4 billion. Revenue growth was driven by Spinal Muscular Atrophy drug Spinraza which saw a 108% increase in revenue. Spinraza is Biogen’s fastest growing drug which they hope will be able to offset the slowing Multiple Sclerosis product line. Biogen presented the detailed results for the phase II trials of their Alzheimer’s drug BAN2401 on July 25th. The results of the trial were positive with tested patients showing 30% less cognitive decline over 18 months than those who received the placebo, but the presentation garnered a mixed reception and caused Biogen’s stock to fall 9% in after-hours trading. Earlier in July, Biogen announced that the trials of the drug were looking very positive without giving any details, and this announcement may have caused many to anticipate that the results would be better than what was ultimately shown. Currently, Biogen’s stock is hurting from the results announcement, but their outlook is still positive in the long-run due to the strength of their pipeline. Another Alzheimer’s drug in Biogen’s pipeline, Aducanumab, just finished its enrollment for two phase III trials. This drug has been regarded as more promising than BAN2401, and if it is successful Biogen will have the only drug in a $12 billion market.
From Jeff Auxier (Trades, Portfolio)'s second quarter 2018 shareholder letter.
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